Environmental Advocates NY (EANY), a leading voice in New York’s environmental movement, today announced its 2025 Action Agenda, presenting a bold and transformative vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable New York. The agenda prioritizes legislative, budgetary, and regulatory actions to protect public health, address climate change, and advance environmental justice statewide.
“Our 2025 Action Agenda is a clear signal that the time for half-measures is over,” said Vanessa Fajans-Turner, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates NY. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s here, it’s relentless, and it’s putting communities at risk every day. This plan is about taking bold, practical steps to protect every New Yorker while building a cleaner, fairer, and more resilient future we can all be proud of.”
Key Legislative Priorities:
- Lead Pipe Replacement Act: With an estimated 500,000 lead pipes statewide, this act mandates utilities to replace all lead pipes—public and private—at no cost to homeowners, creating a national model for equity and efficiency.
- Greening State Operations: Codifying Executive Order 22 to ensure the GreenNY Council’s permanence, holding state government accountable for sustainable practices aligned with climate goals.
- Eliminating Toxic PFAS Chemicals: Laws such as the Beauty Justice Act and the Ban PFAS in Consumer Products Act will remove harmful chemicals from products, safeguarding public health and promoting equity.
- NY HEAT Act: Transitioning utilities to pollution-free, cost-effective energy sources while capping household energy costs at six percent of income.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Requiring producers to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability, and invest in recycling infrastructure.
Budget Priorities for a Resilient Future:
- $600 Million for Clean Water Infrastructure: Supporting critical upgrades to water systems, creating union jobs, and keeping water affordable.
- Green Affordable Pre-Electrification Fund (GAP): Addressing pre-weatherization repairs to make energy efficiency more accessible for low- to moderate-income households.
- Fully Funding the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF): Increasing the EPF to $500 million while opposing any diversions for agency staffing.
- Climate Action Fund: Ensuring revenue from Cap and Invest programs is directed toward climate justice initiatives.
- Staffing for Success: Increasing staff capacity for the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health to tackle rising environmental threats.
Regulatory Priorities:
- New York Cap and Invest: A market-based cap and trade program to reduce emissions and generate billions for climate solutions under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
- State Energy Plan: Establishing a clear roadmap for achieving a decarbonized future over the next 15 years.
- Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards: Updating pollution limits to protect water quality and address PFAS, nutrient pollution, and road salt contamination.
Environmental Advocates NY calls on policymakers, businesses, and community allies to join in advancing these critical initiatives. The organization will collaborate with stakeholders to push for legislative victories in the 2025 session and ensure robust implementation of existing environmental laws.
