Public News Service

A 2019 Homeland Security inspector general report found one in five TSA screeners were quitting after 6 months. One of the biggest reasons was low pay and lack of opportunity for advancement. (Adobe Stock)

NY TSA workers’ contract provides better working conditions

New York transportation safety officers will see improved working conditions thanks to a newly ratified contract. The new American Federation of …

In the last 40 years, New York has endured at least 85 'billion-dollar disasters'. The most costly was Superstorm Sandy, with around $43 billion in damage. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY bill can help climate-burdened communities

A new report shows the costs different regions of New York face from climate change. It says taxpayers were on the hook for more than $2 billion - …

A 2022 report finds failing to speed up transmission beyond the current pace will increase 2030 U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions by 800 million tons per year. (Adobe Stock)

NYS bill could speed up electric transmission installation

New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

While robberies in the New York City Subway were down from 2022 to 2023, felony assaults rose from 556 in 2022 to 570 in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates denounce Gov. Hochul’s NYC subway safety plan

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's five-point New York City subway safety plan is being met with backlash from some community advocates. The plan calls …

Climate change infrastructure costs in New York could reach $10 billion annually by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

NY bill would make polluters pay for climate damage

A New York bill would make polluters pay for climate change damage the state endured. The Climate Change Superfund Act requires companies who've …

Data from the Pew Charitable Trusts showed higher rates of homelessness in New York can be found in areas with the highest rents. (Adobe Stock)

NY advocates call out state for mishandling the housing crisis

New York housing advocates feel the state is not taking the affordable housing crisis seriously. The recent budget proposal and State of the State …

The New York HEAT Act would eliminate a rule requiring utilities to connect new customers to a gas line for free based on how close their property is to an existing gas line. From 2017 to 2021, utilities shifted about $1 billion of costs onto about 170,000 new ratepayers. (Adobe Stock)

NY environmentalists push to pass HEAT Act in state budget

The New York HEAT Act is again making its way through the state Legislature. The bill aims to phase out gas-line extension allowances and gives the …

An environmental assessment of New York City's congestion pricing finds the Bronx could see increased soot from diverted traffic. This will come from the 700 more trucks entering the borough each day. The MTA says it's prepared to spend $130 million to mitigate these impacts. (Adobe Stock)

NYC 'congestion pricing' faces massive backlash

New York City's "congestion pricing" plan is set to start later this year, despite widespread opposition. The plan calls for drivers entering …

Tras una devastadora tormenta invernal, los defensores de los derechos de los discapacitados en Texas descubrieron que entre el 75% y el 80% de las personas discapacitadas se hab�an quedado sin electricidad ni agua. Algunos otros desaf�os que enfrentaron fueron los medicamentos en mal estado que requer�an refrigeraci�n y la falta de acceso a asistencia m�dica a domicilio. (Adobe Stock)

Defensores de discapacitados en NY dan consejos sobre clima invernal

A medida que se acerca el invierno, los neoyorquinos con discapacidades se preparan para afrontar una época difícil del año. Uno de …

After a devastating winter storm, Texas disability-rights advocates found between 75% and 80% of disabled people lost power and water. Some other challenges they faced were spoiled medications requiring refrigeration, and lack of access to critical in-home health-care assistance. (Adobe Stock)

NY disability advocates provide winter weather tips

As winter approaches, New Yorkers with disabilities are preparing to tackle a tough time of the year. One of the biggest challenges is getting …

Extremes of hot and cold weather have taken their toll on a concrete barrier along Binghamton's Riverwalk. Concrete crumbles between the stones of the wall in upstate New York. (Chet Wiker/Adobe Stock)

Will big oil companies cover climate change costs in NY?

Some state and local lawmakers are on a long list calling on New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to require big oil companies to help offset the costs of …

Part of MTA's 20 Year Needs Assessment calls for cutting the agency's greenhouse-gas emission by at least 85%. This would mean converting 6,000 buses to zero emissions, retrofitting existing facilities, and investing in energy-saving technologies. (Adobe Stock)

MTA's needs assessment missing helpful cost information

New York advocates want to see changes made to MTA's 20-year needs assessment. Along with infrastructure modernization work, the Metropolitan …

A 2019 law in New York City requires new buildings, new roofs from building enlargement and replacement of an existing building's roof requires installation of a

Proposed bill puts solar on NYC public building roofs

A proposed bill aims to have solar panels placed on the roofs of all public buildings in New York City. The bill's goal is 100 megawatts of solar on …

Of the $229 billion New York State 2024 budget, $800,000 in additional funding was allocated for at least 10 more state railroad inspectors, amounting to $1.75 million. (Adobe Stock)

As National Rail Safety Month Ends, NY Advocacy Continues

As National Rail Safety Month comes to a close, experts in New York and across the country stressed there is more to do beyond June. The Federal …

According to 2021 data from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, 77.5% of people who work in Manhattan's Central Business District use public transportation to commute from New Jersey. (Adobe Stock)

NYC Congestion Pricing Plan to Receive Federal Approval

New York City's first-in-the-nation congestion pricing plan is slated to receive federal approval in the coming days. The plan calls for a toll on …

In 2009, the New York Transit Authority opened a new station at South Ferry costing $530 million. Much of the station was damaged in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy. After five years, it reopened. Reconstruction cost $344 million. (Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Patrick Cashin/Wikimedia Commons)

Cities Brace Public Transit for Climate Change Impacts

By Whitney Bauck for Next City and Nexus Media News.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions …

In 2022, the Living Schoolyards Act was introduced in Congress, which would direct federal resources toward greening school grounds like those above. However, the bill failed to advance out of committee. (Adobe Stock)

Green Playgrounds Help NY Achieve Climate Goals

By Marianne Dhenin for Next City and Nexus Media News. .Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions …

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, transportation contributes 27% of greenhouse-gas emissions across the nation. (e.v Energy)

New NY Program Provides Incentives for EV Charging

Orange and Rockland counties in New York are instituting a cash-incentive program for electric-vehicle owners. The SmartCharge New York program …

A report from AARP New York finds older New Yorkers living in rural areas are struggling to age in place because of how expensive modifications to homes would be. While they can utilize New York's Access to Home for Medicaid Recipients program, it only gets enough funding to handle $1 million in improvements, but has received requests totaling $12 million. (Andre Carrotflower/Wikimedia Commons)

NY Mayor Eager to Address Numerous Issues After Conference

A New York state mayor is eager to implement new initiatives he observed during the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. …

In January 2023, the city of Troy's Public Utilities Department found elevated levels of lead in some homes and buildings around the area. Though they have found the community's water supply is free from lead, service lines or interior plumbing are possible causes for lead being found in samples. (Adobe Stock)

Residents of Troy Demand Action Against Lead Pipes

Residents of the east-central New York city of Troy and environmental advocates have devised a plan to remove lead pipes from the city's water system…

The City of Albany received $80 million as part of the American Rescue Plan. $25 million will go to city agencies and organizations to fund local projects to support the city's post-pandemic economic recovery. (Adobe Stock)

Albany Mayor Focuses on Housing, Infrastructure after Mayors' Conference

The mayor of New York's state capital said she is eager to get to work on projects she observed at the U.S. Conference of Mayors' big meeting last …

According to the World Economic Forum, green buildings can reduce a city's temperatures up to 2 degrees Celsius. (Adobe Stock)

NY Ranks 3rd on National Green Building List

New York ranked third on a list of the top 10 states for green buildings in the U.S. The report from the U.S. Green Building Council found 142 …

According to a report from AARP New York, one solution to lack of accessible rural homes for seniors would be to create a tax credit of up to $2,750. It would be available to homeowners who retrofit their homes to make them more accessible to those who use walkers or wheelchairs or have trouble with steps. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Senior Rural NYers Face Housing, Transportation Disparities

A recent report from AARP New York finds older rural New Yorkers are struggling to age in place due to a wealth of disparities. The two biggest …

East Side Access began in 1998 and is finally coming to fruition in 2022. Part of the project was slated to include a new station in Sunnyside, Queens. However, construction has been moved to accommodate Metro North's Penn Station Access. (Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul)

Long Island Railroad’s East Side Access Finally Opens

After two decades of waiting, Long Island commuters will finally have access to Grand Central Terminal. East Side Access, the Metropolitan …

The five-year Clean School Bus Program will replace school buses with zero- or low-emission models, starting this year. The total cost will be $5 billion. (Adobe Stock)

NY Receives Federal Funding for Electric School Buses

School districts across New York will be receiving almost $70 million in federal funding for electric school buses, via a grant awarded through the …

Efforts to implement high-speed rail in the U.S. have been ongoing since the mid-1960s, but only Amtrak's Acela service, between New York and Washington, D.C., has been completed. (North Atlantic Rail Alliance/Shop Architects)

Reactions Mixed to Proposed High-Speed Rail Line for Northeast

A proposed high-speed rail line could change the way people travel across Long Island and through the New England states. The line, conceived by the …

Amtrak's Acela, at its fastest, travels at 150 miles per hour, but Northeast Maglev's proposed system could safely travel at double that speed. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Maglev Speeds Up Ride from NY to DC

Traveling between New York and Washington D.C. takes three hours on Amtrak's Acela, but an upcoming high speed rail concept could reduce the trip to …

Part of New York State's climate law says 35% of total statewide spending on clean energy and efficiency programs must go to disadvantaged communities. (Adobe Stock)

NY Prepares Disadvantaged Communities for Climate Change Effects

New York State has been working to ensure disadvantaged communities aren't so vulnerable to the effects of climate change. However, as storms grow in …

With a 29.7% jump in population over the last decade, residents of Hell's Kitchen are calling on MTA officials for a new subway station to be built in the neighborhood. But, it could face stiff competition for funding from other proposed capital projects. (Adobe Stock)

NYC Community Calls on MTA to Build Long-Planned Subway Station

Numerous community advocates are calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to build a long-proposed subway station at 10th Avenue and 41st …

Al menos el 70% de todos los ba�os de los parques p�blicos de Manhattan, Brooklyn, el Bronx y Queens no cumplen con la ADA. En Staten Island, el 45% no cumple con la ADA. (Sascha Burkard/Adobe Stock)

Baños públicos en Nueva York necesitan mejor acceso para discapacitados

El Consejo de la Ciudad de Nueva York está considerando solicitar a los Departamentos de Transporte y Parques y Recreación que desarrollen u…

At least 70% of all public park restrooms in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens are not ADA compliant. In Staten Island, 45% are not ADA compliant. (Sascha Burkard/Adobe Stock)

NYC Public Restrooms Need Better Disability Access

The New York City Council is considering asking the Department of Transportation and the Department of Parks and Recreation to develop a report outlin…

As many states work to achieve their own climate goals, the United States is working toward its goal of having 30 gigawatts of electricity generated from offshore wind by 2030, enough to power 10 million homes. (Fokke Baarssen/Adobe Stock)

Offshore Wind Backers: Long-Term Benefits Outweigh Costs

As part of New York state's climate goals, Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the third competitive solicitation of offshore wind projects, with the …

One of the most common issues cited in using the New York City subway is the lack of elevator and escalator access at stations for people with disabilities, though others mistake it as an issue of convenience. (Michael Vi/Adobe Stock)

NYC Subway Aims for Accessibility for Riders with Disabilities

New York City's subway system has often been a thorn in the side of the disabled community, because only 114 of the system's 472 stations, or 24%…

New York State has several new laws the governor says will accelerate progress on achieving a net-zero-emission electrical grid by 2040. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Swift to Tackle Climate Goals

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has commissioned the Empire State Line, a $180 million power transmission line to increase transmission capacity and …

Research has shown that tree canopy and urban forests can help cities retain storm water, provide habitat for animals, reduce summer temperatures and store greenhouse gases. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYC Tree Canopy Must Be Equitably Distributed

With a historic budget for parks and recreation, New York City is crafting strategic plans to increase tree canopy through an environmental justice …

Gov. Kathy Hochul announces a historic $150 million investment and a partnership with Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and Westchester County Executive George Latimer to address longstanding water infrastructure and related public-health challenges that have plagued the city of Mount Vernon for decades. (Don Pollard/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul)

Report: Infrastructure Funding a Chance to Advance Environmental Justice

The Infrastructure Act is providing $1.2 trillion for improvement projects across water, energy, building and transportation sectors. A new report …

One of Mayor Eric Adams' citywide amendments - Zoning for Zero Carbon - would facilitate building retrofits, including allowing more rooftop coverage for solar panels. (New York City Office of the Mayor)

'City of Yes': NYC Mayor Unveils Zoning Amendments for Economic Recovery

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled a plan to use the city's zoning tools to support small businesses, create affordable housing and promote …

Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget includes funds for the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes as part of the state's plan to electrify 1 million homes and make another 1 million electrification-ready by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Elected Officials Call on NY to Pass All-Electric Building Act

New York elected officials are calling on the General Assembly to pass legislation to transition new buildings off fossil fuels, saying it would make …

Elizabeth Jennings started New York City's first kindergarten for African American children, which she ran from her home until her death in 1901. A monument in Manhattan to honor her is in the works. (Photo courtesy Jerry Mikorenda)

Telling the Story of Elizabeth Jennings, NY's 19th-Century Freedom Rider

One hundred years before Rosa Parks ignited a 13-month bus boycott, Elizabeth Jennings led the way for New York. A presentation this evening at a …

Emissions from all buses, cars, and trucks make up 30% of New York City's carbon footprint. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Rally Support for NY Plan to Electrify School Buses

In her 2022 State of the State address, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul set new goals for electrifying the school bus fleets in the state. Clean-energy …

A new report from The Nature Conservancy says 1,100 tons of pollutants are removed from the air each year, thanks to the trees in New York City. (Noemi Gonzalo-Bilbao Fernandez/The Nature Conservancy)

Studies Show Need for NYC Urban Forest Growth

NEW YORK -- New research shows how expanding New York City's urban forest would benefit New Yorkers' lives in the long term. According to The Nature …

Hastings-on-Hudson is currently the highest-ranking town in New York State's Climate Smart Communities program. (Adobe Stock)

NY Small Towns See Opportunity to Address Climate Change Locally

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. -- One of the major takeaways from last month's big climate conference in Scotland is, all levels of government need to …

Advocates for clean energy say installation of air-source or ground-source heat pumps would be best to use in the switch to electricity for heating, cooling and cooking. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Urge Faster Electrification of NY Buildings

ALBANY, N.Y. - Groups in support of renewable energy are pushing for legislation and other initiatives to accelerate complete electrification of …

The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse-gas emissions in New York state, according to the state's Department of Environmental Conservation. (Adobe Stock)

As Extreme Weather Continues, NY Pushes to Reduce Vehicle Emissions

ALBANY, N.Y. - Clean-energy groups are touting new zero-emissions vehicle initiatives in New York, part of the state's ongoing effort to reduce the …

Access-A-Ride volvi� a programar viajes compartidos el 6 de julio, con el requisito de mascarilla, por orden del gobernador, pero sin mandato de vacunas para pasajeros o conductores. (Chris Sampson/Flickr)

Defensores de discapacitados piden viajes individuales de "Access-A-Ride"

NUEVA YORK, N.Y. -- Mañana (martes), los defensores de los neoyorquinos con discapacidades pedirán al MTA que detenga el modelo de viaje …

Early data from the National Safety Council show an 8% increase in motor vehicle deaths across the nation between 2019 and 2020, even though people drove less during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

NY Group Rallies for Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Advocates for traffic safety finished a 1,000-mile trip around the state today, to bring attention to proposed reforms to curb the 1,0…

Study Shows Huge Solar Potential on Long Island

NEW YORK -- A new study shows Long Island has the potential to generate more electric power than it needs with "low-impact" solar installations…

New York must take on pollution from transportation to meet its carbon emission reduction goals. (Mihail/Adobe Stock)

NY Urged to Lead in New Emission Reduction Initiative

ALBANY, N.Y. -- A coalition of environmental, business and health groups is urging New York state to take the lead in a regional effort to reduce …

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NY: Urban Planning and Transportation