During their annual Fall Seminar Conference in Erie County, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) passed a resolution supporting the passage of the Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. It was adopted as part of a slate of policy resolutions that will form the foundation of NYSAC’s advocacy in the coming year.
Counties also released a new whitepaper (https://bit.ly/3dPbbLM) in support of the Bond Act which details how funds from the Bond Act would be allocated if it is adopted by voters this November.
“The Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Bond Act will provide local governments with an unprecedented opportunity invest projects that will improve drinking water, harden infrastructure against severe weather, and protect the local natural resources that make our communities so special,” said NYSAC President and Clinton County Administrator Michael E. Zurlo.
The resolution notes that the Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Bond Act will provide funding to safeguard clean water, reduce flooding, lessen lead exposure and other public health threats, upgrade cooling centers to reduce the impact of extreme weather, upgrade facilities at state and local parks and preserves and the creation of new outdoor recreational areas, and address pollution and public health threats in disadvantaged communities by directing at least 35% of the total funding to these neighborhoods, with a goal of reaching 40%.
“Counties are already leading efforts to combat climate change through local initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance the transition to renewable energy, and build more resilient infrastructure,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “The Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Bond Act will turbo-charge local governments ability to fight climate while creating good, local jobs and we encourage its adoption this November.”
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