NY Senate passes package to protect low-income communities from pollutants

The Senate passed a package of legislation to stem air pollution in low-income communities.  Photo via Wikimedia Commons

By Rachel Vick

The State Senate on Wednesday passed a legislative package that would bolster protections for low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately affected by air pollution.

The bills include measures to improve restrictions on air pollutants and a more robust review process for large-scale projects that could increase emissions. One bill sponsored by Queens State Sen. Jessica Ramos would mandate more public input on energy projects in regions with high rates of emissions, particularly low-income neighborhoods known as “environmental justice” communities.

“If New York State wants to remain a national leader in environmental policy, we need to change the law so those communities closest to the pain are the first stakeholders considered so we can stop any company that comes to burn more gas and oil,” Ramos said. 

The bill, which passed by unanimous vote, is “the first step to codify a community engagement process.. that would require meaningful community input and transparency from companies trying to site new energy projects across the state,” she added.

Applicants for large-scale energy projects must identify “sensitive” locations, such as schools, nursing homes, parks and hospitals near the development site and hold at least three public information sessions. 

They must then submit written certifications to the Department of Environmental Conservation outlining how they have addressed community concerns.

The legislative package next be considered by the Assembly. If passed, it will go before Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins praised the measures in a statement.

“New York continues to lead the nation in promoting environmental justice,” she said. “This legislative package provides much-needed and long-overdue environmental and public health protections to low-income communities and communities of color.”