87 'Disadvantaged' LI Communities Eligible For State Funds: DEC

LONG ISLAND, NY — State environment officials have determined that 87 predominately minority neighborhoods in more than 40 Long Island communities are eligible for funds as they are disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change, according to a news release shared by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation March 27.

The Long Island communities designated as "disadvantaged" include New Cassel, Hempstead, Uniondale, Freeport, East Patchogue, Brentwood, Huntington Station, Wyandanch, Central Islip, Brookhaven, Riverhead, and Flanders.

The Department of Environmental Conservation named a total of 1,736 disadvantaged communities statewide—determined through input from 11 public hearings and more than 3,000 comments—that will be prioritized for state funding and efforts to introduce green energy and reduce pollution.

"The final adoption of this criteria solidifies New York State's commitment to climate justice for those underserved communities most impacted by air pollution and harmful greenhouse gas emissions," New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO and Climate Action Council Co-Chair Doreen M. Harris said in the news release. "Through its hard work and dedication, the Climate Justice Working Group's clearly defined guidance will help us realize the equitable distribution of benefits from clean energy investments as together, we combat climate change."

The Climate Act requires New York State to invest or direct resources to ensure that disadvantaged communities receive at least 35 percent, with the goal of 40 percent, of the overall benefits of such programs, according to the news release. It also requires state agencies to prioritize greenhouse gas emissions and co-pollutant reductions and ensure state decision-making does not disproportionately burden disadvantaged communities.

"Advancing climate justice is central to New York's climate actions and our ongoing efforts to transition all New Yorkers to a cleaner, greener future," State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner and Climate Action Council Co-Chair Basil Seggos said in the news release. "DEC looks forward to continuing to work with communities and stakeholders across the state to combat climate change and build healthier communities strengthened by our green economy."

A list of disadvantaged communities, along with preliminary maps can be found on the Climate Act website.