NY State Senate Passes Historic Climate Leadership And Community Protection Act

Albany, NY -- The Senate today [5.19.2019] passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) to address and mitigate the effects of climate change by drastically cutting greenhouse gases, diverting the state’s energy reliance to renewable sources, and creating green jobs to promote environmental justice across New York State. This bill is the most comprehensive and aggressive climate change legislation in the nation.

"Today marks a historic day for New York State in the fight against climate change," Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. "As our leaders in Washington fail to take action, New York needs to lead in this time of great crises for our planet. I commend Senator Todd Kaminsky for championing this bill and protecting New York's future generations."

Bill Sponsor and Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, Senator Todd Kaminsky, said, “While Washington is asleep at the wheel, New York is leading the way. The CLCPA will virtually eliminate New York’s greenhouse gasses, foster renewable energy production, create green jobs, invest in lower-income communities, and protect our planet. New Yorkers and the world cannot wait any longer. This is the moment for bold, global change--and I’m proud to say New York is leading the nation.”

The Senate Majority held a series of hearings on the Climate Leadership and Community Protect Act (CLCPA), led by Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, Senator Todd Kaminsky, in Albany, New Paltz, Syracuse, New York City, and Long Island. These hearings allowed concerned citizens, stakeholders, and environmental experts to provide testimony on how climate change has impacted their communities and recommendations for New York State moving forward.

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, S.6599, will:

•     Minimize the adverse impacts of climate change by reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions.

•     Improve the state’s resiliency to the certain effects and risks of climate change.

•     Ensure that the ongoing transition of the state's energy sector will create good jobs and protect workers and communities during the transition process.

•     Prioritize the safety and health of disadvantaged communities, control the potential regressive impacts of future climate change mitigation, and adopt policies for these communities.

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Adapting to a Changing Climate - Strategies for Community Planning

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Adapting to a Changing Climate: 

Strategies for Community Planning

Below are links to slides and a recording of a Climate Smart Communities webinar that provide an introduction to the state of local climate adaptation planning in the United States and ideas for the types of adaptation strategies you can pursue as you work to create a more resilient community.

The information provided comes from research conducted by Dr. Missy Stults looking at how local governments are planning for climate change and what opportunities exist for improving the next generation of climate adaptation plans.  A portion of the presentation draws upon a recently released paper that assesses the quality of local climate adaptation planning and one, soon to be released, that looks at the types of strategies included in local adaptation plans.

In addition, real-world examples of adaptation in practice are provided to help understand the array of activities available to help build local resilience to climate change. 

Adapting to a Changing Climate: Strategies for Community Planning

RECORDING plus SLIDES: Click Here

SLIDES Only (PDF):  Click Here

WEBINAR: Local Climate Adaption Planning for Climate Smart Communities - Nov.10

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Adapting to a Changing Climate: 

Strategies for Community Planning

Webinar: Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, 10:30 AM- 12:00 PM

This Climate Smart Communities webinar will provide an introduction to the state of local climate adaptation planning in the United States and ideas for the types of adaptation strategies you can pursue as you work to create a more resilient community. The information provided in this webinar comes from research conducted by Dr. Missy Stults looking at how local governments are planning for climate change and what opportunities exist for improving the next generation of climate adaptation plans. A portion of this webinar will draw upon a recently released paper that assesses the quality of local climate adaptation planning and one, soon to be released, that looks at the types of strategies included in local adaptation plans. In addition, real-world examples of adaptation in practice will be provided to help participants understand the array of activities available to help build local resilience to climate change.

Please provide us with your name and community affiliation, either via email or telephone to the Office of Climate Change at climatechange@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-8448. In the event that we cancel or postpone this webinar, respondents will be notified.

To join the webinar on November 10th, follow these steps:

1. First, click on this link: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec028f2937fc316a2d6c30231932e747b
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: NYSDEC1
4. Click "Join".
5. Click “Call Me” in the onscreen “Audio Connection” box and enter your phone number to join the audio portion through your telephone.
6. Alternatively, call 1-844-633-8697 and enter the Event Number: 640 857 413, followed by your attendee ID (which will be displayed on your screen in the “Event Info” tab) to join the audio portion. The attendee ID is recommended but not required. It is also an option to join the audio portion via your computer speakers (provided your computer has a microphone).

Two days before webinar, test the computer you plan to use by clicking on the following link: http://www.webex.com/test-meeting.html

For assistance with WebEx, go to https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/mc and click "Support" on the left navigation bar.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This WebEx service includes a feature that allows audio and any documents and other materials exchanged or viewed during the session to be recorded. By joining this session, you automatically consent to such recordings. If you do not consent to the recording, discuss your concerns with the meeting host prior to the start of the recording or do not join the session. Please note that any such recordings may be subject to discovery in the event of litigation.

SYMPOSIUM: Sandy to Snowvember - Climate Change and Resilient Building Design

From Sandy to Snowvember: Climate Change and Buildings in New York State Symposium

November 4, 2016 | 12 pm-5 pm

When Hurricane Sandy made landfall in October of 2012, more than 186 people were killed, over 600,000 homes were damaged, and infrastructure was devastated across New York State. During the “Snowvember” storm in November 2014, 70+ inches of snow fell in Western New York, causing 14 fatalities, and numerous roofs to collapse. These two events suggest that building design in New York needs to shift to address varying weather patterns caused by climate change.

Register 

There is no cost to attend the event, however registration is required because we will provide lunch, coffee, and snacks.

Visit the Resilient Buildings Lab for full details 

This symposium draws together academics and practitioners from the Northeast and Great Lakes regions to address critical questions in climate resilience applicable to New York State, including how built environment professionals respond to a changing climate; how building stock can adapt to climate change in New York State; and how resilience is currently being addressed by built environment professionals. Participants will also hear results from recent research conducted by UB, L&S Energy Services, and Weather Analytics and supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Up to 3.5 CEU/PDH will be available for attending this symposium.

·                  Rosetta Elkin, Harvard Graduate School of Design

·                  Brendan Kelly, CEM, L&S Energy Services, Inc.

·                  Terry Schwarz, FAICP, Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative

·                  Amanda Stevens, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

·                  Michael Tillou, PE, Atelier Ten

·                  Rachel Minnery, FAIA, American Institute of Architects

November 4, 2016 | 12 pm - 5 pm
University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning (map)
Hayes Hall, 4th Floor Lecture Hall
3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214

Attendees are encouraged to take the NFTA to the University Station (link). Visitor parking passes will also be available for both the Diefendorf or Townsend lots (map), which are a short walk from the building. Accessible parking spaces are available adjacent to Hayes Hall.