York

New York Launches Trio of Groundbreaking Worker Protection Laws Fueled by Tragedy and Industry Inequities

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York State is enacting three significant worker protection laws that aim to address safety concerns across various industries, an effort largely influenced by the tragic mass shooting that occurred at a Tops supermarket in Buffalo in May 2022. The new regulations focus on enhancing safety for employees in retail, fashion, and warehouse settings. According to the New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon, the “Retail Worker Safety Act” was directly inspired by the events at the Buffalo supermarket, making it a personal and urgent issue for Governor Kathy Hochul, … Read more

Landmark $117 Million Verdict: New York Couple Secures Historic Compensation for Mesothelioma Suffering

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In New York, a jury awarded $117 million to William Durbec and his wife, Victoria, in a landmark verdict related to William’s battle with malignant mesothelioma. The significant award includes $78 million for Mr. Durbec’s pain and suffering, along with an additional $39 million to Mrs. Durbec for her loss of companionship. This combined total marks a record for mesothelioma cases in the state. The lawsuit stemmed from Mr. Durbec’s exposure to asbestos while working as a metal worker at the World Trade Center construction site during the 1970s. The couple filed claims against several … Read more

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