New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), announced the extension of the public comment period for the draft disadvantaged communities criteria on Thursday, July 7. The deadline to submit comments has been extended to Aug. 5.

 

New York’s Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG), which consists of representatives from environmental justice groups from across the State and representatives of several State agencies, developed the draft criteria for identifying disadvantaged communities, which was released for public review and comment in March. The State held a total of 11 public hearings: four in-person hearings and seven virtual hearings, as well as three public education sessions, on the draft criteria.

 

All New Yorkers are encouraged to provide input on the criteria that officials say will help advance environmental justice and guide the climate programs and projects to reduce air pollution and climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions, provide economic development opportunities, and target clean energy and energy efficiency investments.

 

To view the draft disadvantaged communities criteria, list, and interactive map, visit the Climate Act website. Written comments can be submitted through Aug. 5, via the online public comment form, via email to DACComments@dec.ny.gov, or via U.S. Mail to the attention of: Draft DAC Comments, NYS DEC, Attn. Office of Environmental Justice, 625 Broadway, 14^th Floor, Albany, NY 12233.

 

Visit the Climate Act website for more information about the criteria and for more information on the Climate Justice Working Group.