GREENHOUSE GASES WEBSITE

A.9199 (Sweeney, et al.)

Summary
This bill would require the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to promote on its website a means for individuals and businesses to calculate their greenhouse gas emissions and to offer recommendations on steps to reduce such emissions. The bill would also require the DEC to develop best management and procurement practices for state agencies to reduce their greenhouse gas 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 provide New Yorkers with the tools for estimating their greenhouse gas emissions and would help citizens better understand ways to reduce the emissions that contribute to this global problem. In addition, state agencies—the largest energy consumer in New York—should be required to reduce emissions and receive assistance from the DEC on best practices.

Environmental Advocates of New York supports this bill.