News Releases

News Release | Environment New York

New York City’s health at risk with 168 dirty air days in 2015

Air pollution remains a major threat to our health, according to a new report from Environment New York Research & Policy Center, Our Health at Risk: Why Are Millions of Americans Still Breathing Unhealthy Air? In 2015, people here in New York City experienced 168 unhealthy air pollution days, increasing the risk of premature death, asthma attacks and other adverse health impacts. “Even one day with unhealthy air is too many,” said Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York. “Burning dirty fuels like coal, oil and gas threatens our health. It’s time to shift to 100 percent clean, renewable energy.”

News Release | Environment New York

First 100 days of Trump administration is disaster for our environment and New York's families’ health

In his first 100 days, President Trump has taken dozens of actions that threaten clean air, clean water, and treasured places.

“There is no question, President Trump is a disaster for our environment and public health. His actions will make our air and water dirtier, as well as ensure we experience the worst effects of climate change even more swiftly. The bottom-line is these rollbacks put the health of New York families at risk,” said Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York.

News Release | Environment New York

National Monuments At Risk

New York, NY - President Trump signed an executive order today directing the Department of Interior to review more than 20 national monuments, including Stonewall National Monument in New York, that have been created under the Antiquities Act since 1996.  A list of the monuments that may be reviewed is below.

In response, Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York, issued the following statement:

News Release | Environment New York

Proposals to strengthen pollution control program fall short

New York, NY – This week, New York presented three possible options for strengthening the best regional clean air and climate protection program in the country, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. This program limits dangerous pollution from power plants in New York and across the region – helping to slow the warming of our planet and clean up our air. It also fuels investment in clean energy by making polluters pay to pollute.

A coalition of advocates, health professionals, businesses and local elected officials have been calling for the states to double the strength of the program and cut pollution in half by 2030 from today’s levels. While two of the proposals put forward today would make the program slightly stronger, all three fall short of what needs to happen.

Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York, made the following statement in response:

News Release | Environment New York Research & Policy Center

New York City among region’s solar leaders

New York has more solar panels than most major American cities, ranking 7th among dozens of metropolitan areas according to a new report released today by Environment New York Research & Policy Center. Buffalo also made an admirable showing and ranks 34th for total solar panels in the nation.

The report comes as advocates push the state to adopt a 100 percent renewable energy goal, and officials consider ways to expand solar to more residents in New York City.

“By using solar power here in New York City, we can reduce pollution and improve public health for everyday New Yorker,” said Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York. “To realize these benefits, city leaders should continue to embrace a big vision for solar on rooftops throughout the community.”

 

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