Climate Action Council Releases Draft Scoping Plan 

Draft Scoping Plan Available for Comment 

New York State’s Climate Action Council Co-Chairs, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Doreen M. Harris, recently announced the release of the Draft Scoping Plan, which describes recommended policies and actions to help New York meet its ambitious climate directives as part of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act). After a unanimous 19-0 vote by the Climate Action Council on December 20, 2021 approving its issuance, the Draft Scoping Plan is now available for public review and public comment.

The release of the Draft Scoping Plan kicks off a 120-day public comment period which began January 1. New Yorkers are encouraged to submit comments via the online public comment form, via email at scopingplan@nyserda.ny.gov, and via U.S. mail to Attention: Draft Scoping Plan Comments to NYSERDA at 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399. The public comment period will also include at least six public hearings across the State. Details and information about how to participate in the public hearings will be announced in early 2022.

In addition to the critical work and progress of the Climate Action Council, State agencies and working groups are also acting to meet other key requirements of the Climate Act, including:

New York’s Disadvantaged Communities Barriers and Opportunities Report, was developed to help address persistent disparities in economic opportunity, education, housing, environmental quality, health status, and mobility that heighten community vulnerability to the effects of climate change in historically underserved and marginalized areas. The Barriers and Opportunities Report identifies the barriers faced by disadvantaged communities and recommends actions for State agencies to design climate mitigation, adaptation, and clean energy programs with a focus on climate justice. Recommendations from this report will be incorporated into the Climate Action Council’s Final Scoping Plan.

Feedback on the report is accepted at anytime by emailing ClimateAct@dec.ny.gov.

The Climate Justice Working Group voted to release its draft criteria and definition of disadvantaged communities during its meeting on December 13, 2021. The draft list of disadvantaged communities and identifying criteria will be released to the public in January and posted online at climate.ny.gov for a 120-day public comment period, including at least six public hearings, to gain feedback and input to help develop the final definition. The final definition will be incorporated into the Climate Action Council’s Final Scoping Plan. Criteria and methods for identifying disadvantaged communities will be reviewed annually to make sure the State is targeting emissions reductions and energy investments in these critical areas and among low-income households to ensure climate justice.