STATE AGENCIES GREENHOUSE GAS AUDIT

A.9169 (Sweeney, et al.)

Summary
This bill would require state agencies to conduct an annual audit of the greenhouse gas emissions they emit as a result of their operations.  These annual reports would include a calculation of the agency’s total greenhouse gas emissions for the year, steps taken to reduce those emissions, along with actions that could be taken to further reduce emissions.  

Explanation
Scientists predict that as a result of increased greenhouse gas emissions, warmer global air temperatures will have a range of negative impacts on New York, including but not limited to: an increased number of high ozone days, which could lead to a significantly higher number of hospital admissions related to asthma attacks; rising sea levels that can damage coastal infrastructure; dwindling levels of wildlife; and damage to our forests. Scientists also estimate that in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change we need to cut worldwide greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80 percent.

This bill would ensure that state agencies—the largest energy consumer in New York—are required to keep track of their greenhouse gas emissions and report on steps they take to reduce those emissions.

Environmental Advocates of New York supports this bill.