What's the issue?
The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (commonly referred to as “the Bond Act”) passed in November 2022. The largest investment in the environment in the history of New York State, the Bond Act provides $4.2 billion for projects that improve public health, increase access to nature, and protect people from the consequences of climate change, like deadly heat and flooding. We now have the opportunity to influence how these funds will be distributed.
What's our vision?
We envision a state with a healthy environment and vibrant communities that are actively preparing for whatever climate change brings our way. We are thrilled that the Bond Act passed and that the state is making such an investment in the land, air, water, and communities of New York. Think zero-emissions school buses, solar panels on schools, cleaner lakes and rivers, and so much more.
What's the status?
Throughout 2023, the state worked toward creating the infrastructure that will be required to manage the many programs the Bond Act will cover. They also began to accept applications for various grants, including water infrastructure projects and zero-emission school buses. Discover the latest news and programs here.
Municipal Bond
An interest-bearing certificate, in this case issued by a state or local government. Investors buy bonds, giving the municipality money to fund projects. When the term of the bond is up, the municipality must pay back the bond with interest.
Climate Change Mitigation
Efforts to make the impact of climate change less severe.
Disadvantaged Communities
Communities that are most impacted by a combination of negative public health effects, environmental pollution, and climate change, and possess certain socioeconomic criteria.
The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) required the Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG) to establish criteria to identify disadvantaged communities statewide in New York. You can view the details here.
Infrastructure
Generally speaking, the system of public works of a country, state, or region.
STAY INFORMED
What can you do now?
VISIT THE STATE’S WEBSITE to get the latest news about the Bond Act.
Let your elected officials know what kind of projects you would like to see get funded by the Bond Act
GOVERNOR HOCHUL: Email her here, or Tweet at her @GovKathyHochul
STATE SENATOR: Find your Senator here
STATE ASSEMBLY: Find your Assembly member here
READ THE BALLOT PROPOSAL FROM 2022 (Don’t worry; it’s not so bad!)
ADD YOUR VOICE! We bring the voices of the Hudson Valley directly to the decision makers and policy makers shaping our future.