Today, New York Governor Hochul delivered the 2023 State of the State address, which included numerous proposals to protect public health and the environment, and to address the climate crisis. Noteworthy items Governor Hochul included are proposals relating to all-electric new construction and building electrification, electrifying vehicles and hastening the adoption of electric vehicle infrastructure, lead in housing, community gardens, and toxic PFAS.

The following statement is attributed to Liz Moran, Earthjustice New York Policy Advocate:

“New Yorkers have been, and continue to be, on the frontlines of the climate crisis, detrimental health harms from pollution caused by use of fossil fuels, toxic exposure to lead and PFAS, and aging water infrastructure, which requires bold Government action. We applaud Governor Hochul for recognizing the need for action and beginning the process of developing a roadmap to address these issues in her State of the State, but it will be critical for the governor and the legislature to, in many cases, go above and beyond what has been proposed to ensure environmental justice, protect public health, and chart a truly zero-emissions future.

“While we eagerly await necessary details for these proposals, we are especially thrilled to see Governor Hochul renew her pledge to mandate all-electric new construction and move buildings off dirty, and expensive, fossil fuels — and closer to a zero-emissions future. We are also happy to see recommitments to investments in water infrastructure and addressing toxic PFAS, a proposal to proactively screen for lead paint in upstate housing, and proposals to increase and support community gardens. Earthjustice looks forward to working alongside the governor, the legislature, our partners, and impacted communities to build upon these proposals and have a landmark session and budget for our environment and climate.”