[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6523342,"mediaKeyId","5033618-8a007b88391602b1c10c557c677bb7fe","parentId",5033618,"title","Committee hears resolution to adopt New York State Climate Smart Communities pledge; advocates say it boosts grant competitiveness","audioSeconds",5029,"startMs",1065000,"endMs",6094000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5033618-8a007b88391602b1c10c557c677bb7fe&start=1065&end=6094","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5033618-8a007b88391602b1c10c557c677bb7fe/thumbnail_1065000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6523342/New-York/Committee-hears-resolution-to-adopt-New-York-State-Climate-Smart-Communities-pledge-advocates-say-it-boosts-grant-competitiveness","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523342-538a0d8d2574dcb175df9a8a6bd0881c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441249&Signature=VWAZPGiazbidXO8gL00x-Rkm1i1sOx1drYO9wdBCUKvfdD9ZSQrf8K5-LmEjIWPAYT2Pom2~45hKvnEXDjjfzTJcnCKR6nGvvouv1RMStO9-LYCigfjoXOawYRxGbwCbXekuMPIV5CnGF4Bjj0c6Tm9PkeYabX-Ibc523BVGwQtaVTuN90oMrLY~DLHlR-1FwudFC6AW4TTs4a3BzSecp1uEmgzlSe87EUOXqBGVAenQz1KkEC~~GEzjXQnTASjcymoBNeG4mKK5Zq04f8KldF~u30jgWnmSFS8RB0TEzmCV0rLn60i3Il9FWrd3k7Nm8SdtTS8uw~7TNdYSe-xWoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of New York, NY","date","2025-06-21T07:48:44Z","article","Resolution 926, sponsored by City Council Speaker Adams, would declare that New York City adopts the New York State Climate Smart Communities pledge. The committee heard testimony from the administration and environmental advocates in support of the resolution.

Elijah Hutchinson of the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice told the committee that adopting the pledge “makes us more competitive for the Climate Smart Communities grant program at the state,” and noted MOCEJ received state support for greenhouse gas inventory work. Alia Sumrow of the New York League of Conservation Voters urged the council to “swiftly pass reso 9 2 6,” noting the pledge gives communities better access to state grants, rebates for electric vehicles and technical assistance.

Nut graf: Adoption would be an administrative pledge rather than a binding funding commitment; testimony framed the resolution as a first step to unlock state grant programs and technical support that favor Climate Smart Communities designees.

Public testimony included a speaker who said adoption could help unlock more funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure; other witnesses and advocates told the committee they support the resolution as a means to increase the city’s competitiveness for state funds.

Ending: The committee took testimony and recorded no vote at the hearing. The resolution remains before the committee for further action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","🔴 LIVE: \"Solar Ready Measures for Commercial Buildings and Adapting NYC to Climate Change\"\"","oneSentenceSummary","Resolution 926, sponsored by City Council Speaker Adams, would declare New York City adopts the New York State Climate Smart Communities pledge. Administration witnesses and environmental groups told the committee the pledge would make the city more competitive for certain state grants and technical assistance.","taxTitle","New York City Council, New York City, New York County, New York","taxId",77593,"location","New York","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6523347,"Council hears pre‑considered bill to streamline stormwater permitting; DEP and developers seek faster reviews",1178,1202000,2380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5033618-8a007b88391602b1c10c557c677bb7fe&start=1202&end=2380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5033618-8a007b88391602b1c10c557c677bb7fe/thumbnail_1202000.jpg","/articles/6523347/New-York/Council-hears-preconsidered-bill-to-streamline-stormwater-permitting-DEP-and-developers-seek-faster-reviews","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523347-2d0223f1c0e15d183967d2a3d996fdbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441249&Signature=RK9mbpsiwgNc3~~iIoFZH5r3S3luUue~~3g8l1l8LIsAYqVolXQU82Zo44ubBNpGpLbmMEGcgLLeXEkyFPxvoMGnEbM2QuoML8i~7OH--NvHmcj9oFutsiTlk0VUlZvgwLVTXQ10qFt3NSH21qimPzf1ZWchsmkjw-LkKQ-p76xKCqerc1APeMZIfRkQ-oVGz5Qohz4tTgBxqnKqU37fJeV9yZ4t3R3d8wpTdDVHj~2wA4q7rNHN-1HkLVDWgcbdjwbnCJPI7vSmwbDfZkui~XIwEdSlYZog97518SADb3IX2UCTkW3dC5X4idXP5gO~YASzlXjdJPot8QBYWJm0Ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee heard a pre‑considered introduction to streamline the stormwater construction and maintenance permitting program (often referenced as the unified stormwater rule, SWIP). The change would allow applicants to obtain a stormwater construction permit before executing and recording a maintenance easement; the maintenance easement would remain a condition for receiving a stormwater maintenance permit.

Angela Licata, deputy commissioner for sustainability at the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), told the committee the pre‑considered bill “would make 2 straightforward changes to improve the stormwater management permitting process and strengthen DEP’s enforcement of water pollution controls.” DEP detailed the history and purpose of the program: the agency launched the stormwater permitting program in 2019 to meet the MS4 permit requirements from New York State and later expanded it in 2022 to achieve unified stormwater rules that apply across combined and separate sewer areas.

Nut graf: DEP, industry and advocacy groups told the council that the unified rule is essential to control runoff and reduce combined sewer overflows, but the permitting process has “growing pains.” DEP said typical current review times are roughly seven to nine months and described process reforms including a one‑pass erosion and sediment control review and greater emphasis on field inspections.

Industry representatives said the bill is an important step. Robert Altman of the Queens and Bronx Building Association said the intro “represents an excellent first step in addressing everyone’s concern about the length of time to get approvals on stormwater pollution prevention plans.” The SWIM Coalition urged adequate DEP staffing and recommended permit fees be used to hire staff to administer the program; Michelle Lutke, program manager for SWIM, said “the unified stormwater rule is a strong defense against future flooding and must be preserved.”

DEP said it has invested more than $1,400,000,000 in green infrastructure since 2011 and noted regulatory thresholds changed (the qualifying soil disturbance threshold was lowered from 1 acre to 20,000 square feet) to capture more typical redevelopment sites in the city. Licata said inspection and enforcement — bolstered by increased penalties for water pollution control code violations — are central to protecting water quality while streamlining permitting.

Ending: The committee took testimony and asked follow‑ups but recorded no vote. DEP and stakeholders signaled willingness to collaborate on regulatory drafting and process improvements.","A pre‑considered introduction would allow stormwater construction permits to be issued before recording maintenance easements and make other process changes intended to shorten review time. DEP and developers said the unified stormwater rule is essential but current permit review can take seven to nine months and requires process improvements.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6523352,"Council hears bill to consolidate climate planning reports, speed up adaptation reporting cycle",4000,1272000,5272000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5033618-8a007b88391602b1c10c557c677bb7fe&start=1272&end=5272","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5033618-8a007b88391602b1c10c557c677bb7fe/thumbnail_1272000.jpg","/articles/6523352/New-York/Council-hears-bill-to-consolidate-climate-planning-reports-speed-up-adaptation-reporting-cycle","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523352-b5ad9e7a996357c48a76377798df784a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441249&Signature=I0TeJhRuBSUN-Iq9s~vKdHVIpznS40verNfEHZ9uC-q0eGxg9YH2g-8jV9kQExr96L0FF-X7rVfGjMYLygxiJPK3LkFw6CDpmo~dPLBxVEDMsHx4O2x0uWdDPFbEMf0qRVYzbCLYPPg2svXKFYAdABcfb89F~~8vKhftFDRsAbi4SAoxeT2u5OtK1cuzHGMNgK3DHxZrVQg16nhX6wVQ22~ZRhuILevh2cfaBC9N9mJ7uU03dD3iyVT7S3XbsNxAsF7vmWTJ~s1FTNK1zj-SoLi64OTIdWpIuCGvf-PgSsZbhT6BYJb2zFj-CZ~YG6H76fXDVv-JtqwqdDKUkoirGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council Member James Gennaro’s committee considered Intro. 13‑02, a bill to require the Office of Long‑Term Planning and Sustainability (functions now in MOCEJ) to publish a consolidated long‑term energy plan, climate adaptation plan and other required reports as part of the city’s PlanYC update.

Elijah Hutchinson of MOCEJ told the committee the consolidation “provides a more streamlined and aligned set of mandates for our office and allows us to look at the cumulative impacts” of climate and energy policy. The bill would also increase the publication frequency of the city’s climate adaptation plan from once every 10 years to once every four years and remove a prohibition on members of the NPCC receiving financial compensation, aligning some city reporting with IPCC cycles.

Nut graf: Sponsors say consolidation will reduce duplication and clarify public review opportunities; MOCEJ said an integrated approach would let planners consider energy, adaptation and equity tradeoffs together and proposed a reorganized task‑force structure to maintain technical specialization.

Committee questions probed whether dissolving an existing Climate Change Adaptation Task Force would weaken technical input. MOCEJ proposed an integrated task force divided into subgroups so specialists on energy, resilience and adaptation could continue to advise while producing consolidated outputs.

Ending: No final action was taken. MOCEJ and council members expressed support for the stated goals and indicated willingness to refine language on task‑force composition and the order of operations.","Intro. 1302 would consolidate multiple climate and energy reporting requirements into PlanYC, increase climate adaptation plan frequency, and adjust several reporting roles. MOCEJ said consolidation could improve cross‑cutting analysis and recommended task‑force restructuring.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6523357,"Bill would give Environmental Justice Advisory Board formal review of PlanYC drafts; MOCEJ seeks earlier consultation",397,1723000,2120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5033618-8a007b88391602b1c10c557c677bb7fe&start=1723&end=2120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5033618-8a007b88391602b1c10c557c677bb7fe/thumbnail_1723000.jpg","/articles/6523357/New-York/Bill-would-give-Environmental-Justice-Advisory-Board-formal-review-of-PlanYC-drafts-MOCEJ-seeks-earlier-consultation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523357-a66807287b074c5b1dd1696b6286baa6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441249&Signature=d0jJTBJr6D-Fk4ZNRX21kaD-0MFb4WyPdI8TIXxjL4LD644pKcbSfIbM~egT-6uXjlB-PQ-9qfmQjgH4kpA0Z5EJQyuYtwwnlcxkJAsWz5FE4zXPePfrNt~Zxbr5uvBeTXJAcRnEa2zUnPsi-qqKQbm1H1p~tNKNNY6~JNnQLnuEdmUZL3KE5exwJSF~PAkKWxSas7kxVqy~7Dd1tytr87u3cM-YUfk3uUXenWpwdNvh8ICg7kHhLmw1FPPGXMmhqEXTM59GvVOnHV2npTysJZzzsQCsIFXP0RjQ9e1k28HqxOHH3EUat~VR5XwrfCulwjiQ-oyAnuXD0nkut0WJHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New York City Council Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfronts heard testimony on Intro. 12‑71, a bill that would require the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) to provide drafts and proposed revisions of the long‑term sustainability plan (PlanYC) to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB) and require EJAB to review and make recommendations prior to finalization.

Elijah Hutchinson, executive director of MOCEJ, said his office supports the bill’s intent but urged a process change: “early consultation allows for more opportunities to incorporate suggestions instead of waiting to modify existing recommendations at the end of the process.” MOCEJ recommended statutory language that would require the agency to collect EJAB input as part of the analytic foundation that informs PlanYC’s recommendations.

Nut graf: The debate centered on how and when to fold environmental‑justice perspectives into citywide climate planning. MOCEJ argued that engaging EJAB earlier — during analysis and option formation — will improve procedural justice and increase the likelihood that EJAB recommendations are meaningfully incorporated.

Hutchinson used the hearing to summarize MOCEJ’s recent work, including the 2023 Power Up NYC long‑term energy plan, an Environmental Justice NYC report and an interactive mapping tool, and a multi‑agency effort to develop a citywide environmental justice plan. He described the office’s “blue sky” housing mobility program design to acquire properties in areas with pronounced flood risk on a voluntary basis and said the office is exploring federal, state and other financing options for voluntary buyouts.

Council members asked how EJAB appointments are made; MOCEJ responded that seats include mayoral and council appointees and that the advisory board is in its early years of operations. MOCEJ said it would be receptive to technical language edits that require earlier, front‑end engagement.

Ending: The committee heard no final action. MOCEJ and the council signaled willingness to work on bill language to ensure earlier procedural integration of EJAB recommendations.","Intro. 1271 would require the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice to submit drafts of the long‑term sustainability plan (PlanYC) to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board for review. MOCEJ told the council it supports environmental‑justice involvement but prefers earlier consultation to better shape analyses and recommendations.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6523361,"Council hearing examines feasibility study for commercial ‘solar‑ready’ rules as DOB questions need",693,988000,1681000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5033618-8a007b88391602b1c10c557c677bb7fe&start=988&end=1681","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5033618-8a007b88391602b1c10c557c677bb7fe/thumbnail_988000.jpg","/articles/6523361/New-York/Council-hearing-examines-feasibility-study-for-commercial-solarready-rules-as-DOB-questions-need","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523361-5af72a2423e64e40b99bddda4e83318f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441249&Signature=EVeHIjBIC8nY1GXDC~cvnEq3t7GhtOk3q0Rk3UrnA~VKvtit55aEs-6mOZX05TO0NoQIrijcpnZe0wjXmg0V6TAwVh2xmDXEAoS1UfJ76Dt1KHNXUYHmRq4nWMTD1sF1oInnvmAzmOuqoVGuHR2pZd01K33xr1jI6VuQslhcQDNQG2MP6gqY1OFj-w~hC-WUGTdLOjpXNmY7W~WX8z4Kqnu4n8opnGkFDB0xsXbnf~Mf2wqOxyKpNdxrzU2hmpLm3b6l3PyI40wCtvkcisPcDrTkqZtUdcXMe7F-SXfXkQ76H5J6XLFBl3~9R9P4fALWhKrbf4HwzKlt76tqbcztCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council Member James Gennaro, chair of the New York City Council Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfronts, opened a hearing to take testimony on Intro. 499, a bill sponsored by Council Member Francisco Moya Abreu calling for a yearlong feasibility study on implementing solar‑ready measures for commercial buildings.

The Department of Buildings’ testimony drew the most attention. Beth Golub, director of sustainability policy and legal affairs at the Department of Buildings, told the committee the city already requires on‑site solar or green roofs for many buildings under the Climate Mobilization Act. “Given the existing requirement for buildings to install solar or green roof systems and the upcoming enhancements to both New York City and state energy codes, we believe that the proposed study is not necessary,” Golub said.

Nut graf: The hearing centered on whether a formal study would add useful new information or duplicate work already underway. Advocates urged the council to pair any new study with clear discussion of financing and zoning barriers; DOB and advocates agreed on the need to coordinate with the administration’s ongoing energy‑code updates.

DOB cited the Climate Mobilization Act (Local Laws 92 and 94 of 2019) and said earlier measures have coincided with growth in solar installation permits citywide: 3,902 solar jobs permitted in 2016, 5,172 in 2020 and 9,118 in 2024. Golub said the agency is working on an updated New York City Energy Conservation Code that will include “on‑site renewable energy readiness, including solar.”

Speakers from environmental groups backed the concept of increasing rooftop readiness, but sought more specificity. Alia Sumrow, deputy director for New York City policy at the New York League of Conservation Voters, said proponents should “work with DOB so that the bill is not redundant with existing DOB efforts,” and recommended the legislation address financing — incentives, grants and other tools — and zoning or permitting impediments that can prevent installations.

The hearing produced no vote on Intro. 499. Chair Gennaro said the administration would provide testimony and further engagement would follow.

Ending: The committee did not take a vote; DOB and advocates left the door open to refine the proposal in coordination with the administration and council staff. The bill remains under committee consideration.","At a New York City Council committee hearing, the Department of Buildings said existing local laws and pending energy code updates make a new, yearlong feasibility study of commercial “solar‑ready” measures unnecessary, while advocates urged clearer financing and zoning guidance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears resolution to adopt New York State Climate Smart Communities pledge; advocates say it boosts grant competitiveness

Council hears pre‑considered bill to streamline stormwater permitting; DEP and developers seek faster reviews

Council hears bill to consolidate climate planning reports, speed up adaptation reporting cycle

Bill would give Environmental Justice Advisory Board formal review of PlanYC drafts; MOCEJ seeks earlier consultation

Council hearing examines feasibility study for commercial ‘solar‑ready’ rules as DOB questions need