Community Corner
Air Quality Goals in #OneNYC Achievable
Although NY has the cleanest air in 50 years, reigning in tailpipe emissions is the single most achievable goal to benefit all New Yorkers.
On Earth Day, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio released OneNYC, an updated and expanded approach to the City of New York’s strategy on climate change previously known as PlaNYC. The ambitious plan is broad, yet inclusive as it aims to address inequality in environmental and economic policies promulgated to affect climate goals.
One goal in particular is to create 4.9 million jobs by 2040 while minimizing New York’s carbon footprint. The plan identifies opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in energy supply, transportation, and solid waste management.
Prudent policies that reject efforts to undermine in-state energy infrastructure will bolster possibilities to achieve these goals. Another approach to reduce emissions from transportation sources is to rapidly expand capacity for consumers to use of alternative fuel vehicles – including electricity and compressed natural gas.
Find out what's happening in Park Slopefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A recent report by New York AREA found that New York City could take a big bite out of its emissions by increasing access for electric and CNG cars and trucks to recharge or refuel. As much as 24 percent of the City’s carbon pollution comes from mobile emissions. Those fumes are worse around heavily trafficked transit corridors which tend to cut through densely populated minority neighborhoods.
Taking action to offer cleaner fuel options would not only clear the air, but alleviate cost pressures for both families and businesses in terms of health care and equipment maintenance needs respectively. Sustainably speaking, the U.S. EIA’s 2015 Outlook on Energy affirms the trend toward low and non-emitting power sources is on the rise which will benefit the environment.
Find out what's happening in Park Slopefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Although New York has the cleanest air in 50 years, reigning in tailpipe emissions still remains the single most achievable goal that will positively impact New Yorkers most. While Congress remains in gridlock on improving fuel standards, New York policymakers can lead by example and widen the gap on New York’s nation leading lowest emissions per capita by accelerating efforts to transition motorists to alternative fuel vehicles.
Mayor de Blasio’s OneNYC plan is certainly an intriguing approach to New York City’s daunting climate issues. The smart bipartisan tone in #OneNYC is a solid step in the right direction as it builds on the strong foundations laid by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg in PlaNYC.
