YES to the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act!
With only a few days left in the 2024 Legislative Session, New York is so close to having our own producer responsibility program! The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S.4246-D/A.5322-D) mandates how New York can reduce some of the worst environmental contaminants from our landfills without an additional burden on taxpayers, and continue to prioritize the importance of plastic and waste pollution reduction.
Pass NY HEAT and Gas Stove Right-to-Know
We are in the final days and hours of New York’s legislative session and the Assembly still has yet to move any significant bills to address climate change. At the center of this legislative fight is the New York Home Energy Affordable Transition (NY HEAT) Act, a bill that will enable New York to more affordably and equitably transition to clean heat technologies by ending the state's obligation to subsidize and prioritize the continued use of fossil fuels in our homes. The bill has already passed the Senate.
Every step of the way, this bill has been undermined by fossil fuel money and misinformation campaigns that proclaim “they are coming for your gas stoves.” In reality, however, NY HEAT does no such thing, as it only provides New Yorkers with energy options. But lost in the debate is how harmful gas systems and appliances are to indoor air quality. A growing body of medical research has demonstrated that gas stoves can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene, and formaldehyde, causing a host of respiratory illnesses in the home, including asthma. The public should know this, but studies show they are largely unaware of these risks. An additional bill in the end-of-legislative-session mix is ‘The Healthy Homes Right-To-Know Act’ legislation, which would require signage at point-of-purchase, as well as removable stickers on the appliances to inform consumers of the health risks inherent in using these products, the same way cigarettes come with warning labels. The clock is ticking on both these bills and the legislature will not take action unless the public makes them. Please urge the legislature to prioritize climate action in these remaining hours of the 2024 session by sending a message today!
No more PFAS in our water, households, and bodies. Tell lawmakers to get them out of New York!
Common man-made chemicals called PFAS are everywhere – and they’re toxic. They’re in our ecosystems, drinking water, and homes. Virtually all of us have PFAS in our bodies. Urge the leadership in the Senate and Assembly to protect the health of New Yorkers by passing bills banning toxic PFAS chemicals in common household and personal care items before this year’s legislative session ends.
The need to protect our environment has never been more urgent! You can help by joining our list of volunteers who are willing to meet with or call their elected representatives to advocate for important legislation.
- To add your name to our volunteer list, click here.
- To fill in a Lobby form before you meet with your legislator (and fill in one again afterwards to let us know his or her reaction), click here.