Today Governor Cuomo vetoed legislation (A.1779 (Peoples-Stokes, et al. / S.181 (Serrano, et al.) that would require DEC to issue biennial reports listing high local environmental impact zones across the state.
For Immediate Release: November 20, 2019
Cuomo Vetoes Environmental Justice Bill
Several Additional Measures Remain Unsigned
Today Governor Cuomo vetoed legislation (A.1779 (Peoples-Stokes, et al. / S.181 (Serrano, et al.) that would require DEC to issue biennial reports listing high local environmental impact zones across the state. In response, Kate Kurera, Deputy Director for Environmental Advocates NY issued the following statement:
“We are disappointed in this veto because it means we lose a real opportunity to provide critical information about potential hazards that New Yorkers—especially those in minority and low-income communities—may be facing. With several more pieces of environmental legislation still awaiting executive action, we urge the Governor to be a true green leader and sign these remaining bills into law.”
Unsigned bills include:
- The Child Safe Products Act, which would regulate the use of toxic chemicals in children’s products.
- A ban on chlorpyrifos, an extremely toxic pesticide linked to neurodevelopmental defects, which the Trump administration has refused to regulate.
- A ban on PFAS in firefighting foam and a bill that prohibits the distribution and sale of household cleansing products and personal care products containing 1,4-dioxane. Both PFAS and 1,4-dioxane are dangerous chemicals that have contaminated the water in communities across New York.
Additional bills awaiting Governor Cuomo’s signature:
- Environmental Justice For All
- Reduce Toxic Mercury in Light Bulbs
- Energy Star State Grants
- Renewable Energy Retention Act
- Water Withdrawal Transparency
- Dangerous Jewelry
- Paint Stewardship
- It Makes Water Sense
- Protecting Vulnerable Species
- Preserving Communities from Overdevelopment and Sprawl (Ulster County)
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