NYS DEC partners NYSERDA, holds public hearing on Draft Disadvantaged Communities Criteria

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), has partnered with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), to hold an in-person public hearing on June 23, 2022.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday June 22, 2022.

According to the statement, the public hearing is aimed at receiving input on the Draft Disadvantaged Communities Criteria and advancing the finalization of the criteria to help guide the implementation of the State’s nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

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, voted in December to release the draft criteria for identifying disadvantaged communities for public review with a 120-day public comment period that ends July 7, 2022.

“The State is holding a total of 11 public hearings with four in-person hearings and seven virtual hearings,” the statement reads.

It adds, “DEC and NYSERDA will also be holding a Western New York Virtual Public hearing on the criteria on June 30, at 12 p.m.”

All New Yorkers are encouraged to provide input on the criteria that 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.