Draft List and Criteria
DEC has released for public comment the draft criteria for disadvantaged communities developed by the Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG) to help guide the equitable implementation of New York’s ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The draft criteria and maps identify disadvantaged communities for the purposes of reducing air pollution and climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions, directing programs and projects, providing economic development opportunities, and targeting investments.
The CJWG voted unanimously to approve the release of draft criteria and list of disadvantaged communities for public comment last December. Comprised of 13 representatives from organizations working in frontline environmental justice communities across New York State and supported by a team of state agency and technical experts, the CJWG worked to identify disadvantaged communities by evaluating 45 indicators including: environmental exposures, burdens, and climate change risks; and sociodemographic factors such as age, race, and income; pollution characteristics; and health vulnerabilities. Using a methodology that worked at the census tract level, the working group combined and ranked all indicators into an overall score.
Low-income households located anywhere in New York State were also included in the disadvantaged communities criteria for the purpose of investing or directing clean energy programs, projects, and investments. These individual households report annual total income at or below 60 percent of the State median income, or households otherwise eligible for low-income programs.
Public Comment Period
Public comments are being accepted on the draft documents and will include six public hearings. The draft criteria, lists, map, and supporting documentation are available on the New York State Climate Act website. Comments on the draft are due by July 7, 2022.
Submit comments via the online public comment form, via email at DACComments, or via U.S. mail to Attention: Draft DAC Comments, NYS DEC, Attn. Office of Environmental Justice, 625 Broadway, 14th Floor, Albany NY 12233.
Information about the public hearings will be released soon. |
