Climate

New York Court Upholds Local Climate Laws, Bolstering Efforts to Combat Emissions from Large Buildings

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New York, NY — In a significant ruling today, the New York State Court of Appeals affirmed that the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act does not override Local Law 97 or other municipal climate initiatives. This decision is expected to strengthen local authorities’ ability to enforce measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Rachel Spector, the Deputy Managing Attorney at Earthjustice’s Northeast Office, issued a statement praising the court’s decision. She emphasized that this ruling reinforces the importance of local laws in conjunction with statewide efforts to address climate change. Spector remarked on … Read more

New York Unveils Bold Climate Law Aiming for a Sustainable Future

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New York is positioning itself as a leader in climate action with the recent enactment of a proactive climate law aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This law underscores the state’s commitment to achieving ambitious climate goals, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in policy decisions for future generations. The legislation mandates significant reductions in carbon emissions, targeting a decrease of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. These ambitious targets reflect the urgency of addressing climate change while also highlighting New York’s role in the broader context of national … Read more

Kalamazoo County Joins Legal Battle Against EPA Over Termination of $19 Million Climate Grant

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KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Kalamazoo County has decided to participate in a class-action lawsuit against the federal government following the abrupt termination of a significant Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant. This decision was made during the county commissioners’ meeting held on Tuesday. The county had initially applied for the Community Change Grant last December, receiving approval in January. However, shortly after, the Trump administration issued directives that froze federal funding, which halted the grant before any work could begin. Kalamazoo County’s Climate Sustainability Coordinator, Taylor VanWinkle, explained that the EPA informed them the grant did not … Read more

USDA Resurrects Climate Content After Legal Challenge Sparks Controversy

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced plans to restore previously removed climate-related resources following a lawsuit. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the impact of climate change on agriculture and rural communities. In August, a coalition of environmental organizations filed a lawsuit against the USDA for deleting information related to climate initiatives from its website. The lawsuit highlighted the essential role that this information plays in supporting farmers and ranchers in adapting to changing environmental conditions. The USDA’s revised approach includes reinstating educational materials and toolkits that provide guidance on … Read more