Civic Engagement
On Nov 8, the Civic Engagement Task Force urges you to vote
YES
on Prop 1 – NYS Environmental Bond Act
Here’s why:
Proposal 1 would issue $4.20 billion in general obligation bonds for projects classified as climate change mitigation, flood-risk reduction, water infrastructure, and land conservation and recreation. The ballot measure would require that bond issue revenue be distributed for:
- air and water pollution reduction projects
- wetland protections to address sea-level rise, storm surge, and flooding
- relocating or retrofitting facilities
- green building projects i
- solar arrays, heat pumps, and wind turbines in public low-income housing areas
- zero-emission school buses
- street trees and urban forest programs
- green roofs and reflective roofs
- carbon sequestration on natural and working lands
- flood-risk reduction
- coastal and shoreline restoration
- relocating and repairing flood-prone infrastructure and roadways
- ecological restoration projects
- land conservation and recreation plans, programs, and projects
- fish hatcheries
- projects related to wastewater, sewage, and septic infrastructure
- lead service line replacement
- riparian (water) buffers
- stormwater runoff reduction
- agricultural nutrient runoff reduction
- addressing harmful algal blooms
Proposal 1 would require that at least 35% of bond revenue benefit disadvantaged communities. ii
The Westchester County Board of Legislators has determined that this bond act would bring great benefit to residents of the County. iii
IMPORTANT NOTE: When you finish voting for the candidates of your choice, you must FLIP the ballot to vote
Yes for Prop 1. iv
i. Legislation defined green buildings project to include:
-
"installing, upgrading, or modifying a renewable energy source at a state-owned building or for the purpose of converting or connecting a state-owned building or a public school building, or portion thereof, to a renewable energy source;"
-
"reducing energy use or improving energy efficiency or occupant health at a state-owned building or a public school building;"
-
"installing a green roof at a state-owned building or a public school building;"
- "installation of renewable heating and cooling systems at a state-owned building or a public school building;" and
- "emission reduction projects."
ii. The Climate Justice Working Group, housed within the state Department of Environmental Conservation, was responsible for defining disadvantaged communities. The working group was required to consider socioeconomic criteria, pollution and environmental hazard, and areas vulnerable to flooding, storm surge, and urban heat island effects.
iii. https://www.theexaminernews.com/legislators-pass-resolution-for-environmental-bond-act/#:~:text=The%20Westchester%20County%20Board%20of%20Legislators%20unanimously.
iv. 4 https://www.westchestergov.com/home/all-press-releases/9661-county-executive-george-latimer-reminds-residents-to-flip-it-over-and-vote-on-proposition-one-the-environmental-bond-act-this-november
Leader: Andrea Olstein CETF@wct.org
CONTACTING OFFICIALS:
A major way in which we advocate for a just society is by communicating our thoughts to leaders of government. Click HERE for contact information.