This Month's Topics:

• Public & Stakeholder Participation Information
• A Green Energy Future is in View
• The 2022 Statewide GHG Emissions Report
• New Green Purchasing Communities Program
• People Helping People
• Dates to Remember
• AQI Alerts for Respiratory Health
• Connect with Us at Air Mail!

Public & Stakeholder Participation Information:

• Statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative Meetings – DEC has scheduled four progress update meetings for communities that are part of the 2022-23 Statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative. The community locations, dates, and virtual meeting information are as follows:
  • Brooklyn, January 25, 2023, at 1:00 pm.
  • Queens, January 26, 2023, at 6:00 pm.
  • Hempstead/New Cassel/Roosevelt/Uniondale/Westbury, February 6, 2023, at 6:00 pm.
  • Syracuse, February. 7, 2023, at 6:00 pm.
• Subpart 217-5: Heavy Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program – A virtual hearing is scheduled for January 24, 2023, at 6:00 pm. The public comment deadline is January 30, 2023, at 5:00 pm.
• Part 218: Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) – The emergency/proposed rulemaking will incorporate the State of California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation. A virtual hearing is scheduled for March 1, 2023, at 1:00 pm. The public comment deadline is March 6, 2023, at 5:00 pm.
• Part 218: Heavy-Duty Diesel Omnibus /Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas (P2 GHG) – The emergency/proposed rulemaking will incorporate the State of California's Heavy-Duty Omnibus Low NOx (oxides of nitrogen) regulation ("HD Omnibus") and Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas ("Phase 2 GHG") Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty vehicles. A virtual hearing is scheduled for February 28, 2023, at 1:00 pm. The public comment deadline is March 6, 2023, at 5:00 pm.
• Effective December 21, 2022: Adopted DAR-21: The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and Air Permit Applications – Outlines requirements for preparing and reviewing analyses for applicants and DEC staff in accordance with Section 7(2) of CLCPA.
• Effective December 31, 2022: 1,4-Dioxane Limits for Household Cleansing, Personal Care, and Cosmetic Products – Establishes a maximum allowable concentration of 2 ppm of 1,4 dioxane present in these products.
• Effective December 31, 2022: PFAS in Food Packaging Law – Restricts intentionally added PFAS in food packaging.
• Various NYS projects in the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB).

Air Mail! is the publication to announce public and stakeholder information about air quality topics. All NYS residents are environmental stakeholders – we welcome anyone to join the information sessions and other opportunities posted here.

A Green Energy Future is in View

Governor Hochul started the new year off strong with the 2023 State of the State address. In her address, the Governor announced plans for a new Cap-and-Invest Program. This program will place a declining cap on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions each year to help achieve our Climate Act requirements of a 40% decrease in GHG emissions by 2030 and 85% by 2050. The program will also invest in programs that will reduce emissions with an emphasis on disadvantaged communities, limit costs to economically vulnerable households, and create many new jobs. The Governor also announced significant investments in energy affordability, energy-efficient buildings, and clean air and water.

While NYS is making changes on a governmental level, there are many steps that individuals can take too. For a greener 2023, follow these money, climate, and energy-saving tips:

• Purchase ENERGY STAR^® certified appliances: ENERGY STAR^® is the governmentally backed symbol of energy efficiency, allowing consumers to purchase products that will save them the most money and protect the environment.
• Use advanced power strips: Some electronics can still use electricity even when turned off. Advanced power strips stop this over-usage by automatically cutting power when a device is not in use.
• Sign up for Community Solar: Save money on electricity by subscribing to a Community Solar project in your area. After tapping into this clean energy source, you will see solar credits on your monthly bill based on how much energy the project has generated.
• Change your laundry habits: Many laundry practices waste energy. About 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer is put toward heating water. Switching from hot to warm water can cut energy use in half, and cold water saves even more.
• Drive less: By using other transportation options, such as carpooling, public transportation, or biking, you can save money on fuel costs and wear and tear on your vehicle, as well as lower your carbon footprint.

Everyone can take steps to clean our environment. By using these energy-saving tips, New Yorkers can take part in reducing emissions to help protect our air.

The 2022 Statewide GHG Emissions Report

As 2022 came to an end, DEC issued the 2022 Statewide Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Report. This report highlights the statewide GHG emissions from 1990-2020 and the state’s efforts to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goals. CLCPA gave NYS a mandate to lower GHG emissions 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.

This report shows the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the state’s GHG emissions levels. Total emissions dropped by 8% from 2019 to 2020. 2020 showed a decrease in emissions from multiple sectors, the most notable being a 20% decrease in transportation emissions. However, due to the circumstances behind the drop, the report notes that 2020 is not representative of NYS’ current emission levels or trends.

The report shows that the state’s total GHG emissions in 2019 are 7% lower than in 1990 and 18% lower than in 2005. In 2019, the two most abundant GHGs were carbon dioxide (59%) and methane (34%). Energy usage was responsible for the majority of emissions (77%), mainly from fuel combustion and emission leaks from imported fossil fuels.

Since CLCPA was enacted in 2019, NYS has implemented many changes to lower GHG emissions. With seven years remaining to reach the 2030 goal, NYS is looking at the final Scoping Plan (PDF) to guide further GHG emissions reductions to lessen the effects of climate change.

New Green Purchasing Communities Program

Good news for local governments! Governor Hochul announced the new Green Purchasing Communities Program, a first in the nation program that makes it easier for local governments to ensure that the products they purchase have a lower environmental impact. In addition, local governments that participate will receive recognition for their commitment to purchasing green products and services.

Benefits to local governments becoming a Green Purchasing Community:

• Adopting a simple-to-administer green purchasing program.
• Moving the market in a more sustainable direction.
• Being recognized for their commitment to the environment.
• Getting points towards Climate Smart Communities Certification.

Local governments that become green purchasing communities commit to following the GreenNY purchasing specifications that NYS government uses. By making this simple change, local governments can work toward purchasing better products and services for our public health and environment. With over 75 different GreenNY purchasing specifications covering office and building management supplies, electronic equipment and appliances, food service items, and transportation items, there are specifications to follow for a wide variety of items frequently purchased by local governments. In addition, GreenNY is constantly updating existing specifications and creating new ones, meaning Green Purchasing Communities will automatically follow the latest green purchasing specifications. Instructions on becoming a Green Purchasing Community can be found on OGS’ website. Additional information is available on the Green Purchasing Communities program website or by contacting gpc@dec.ny.gov. 

People Helping People

Ever committed to creating a better NYS, the Division of Air Resources (DAR) raised and donated over $3,400 to the non-profit AIM Services of Saratoga County this year. AIM offers services and resources to those who are physically and intellectually challenged to find housing, employment, and other living needs. DAR holds an annual charity each December in honor of Linda Stuart, a coworker who lost her life in 2004. Since 2005, DAR has raised over $40,000 for individuals and charitable organizations across the state.

Helpful Links:

• DECinfo Locator – An interactive map that lets you access DEC documents and public data about the environmental quality of specific sites in NYS as well as outdoor recreation information.
• DEC Delivers – Stay in-the-know by subscribing to the environmental topics that interest you. We will send you information, updates, and e-newsletters on the topics of your choosing. As an Air Mail! subscriber, you may be interested in subscribing to the Air Quality Alert topic so you know when air quality levels are a concern in your area.
• AQI Forecasts – Check the daily ozone and particulate matter pollution forecast for your area of NYS.
• NYSDEC YouTube – Keep up with what's going on with DEC staff by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Watch video clips of DEC public protection in action, learn about the Hudson River, or watch the latest episode of "On the Front Lines," DEC's video series.
• Conservationist – NYS’ premiere outdoor magazine--bringing nature to your door! Published six times a year, Conservationist is a NYS-focused magazine that is packed with informative and entertaining articles, first-rate photography, and stunning artwork. Articles cover a broad range of environmental and natural history-related topics. Subscribe today to get a piece of the outdoors in your mailbox.

Dates to Remember:

• Second Tuesday of the Month: Sustainability Lunchtime Learning Webinars – A monthly series covering numerous topics of interest, such as Sustainable Flooring, Sustainability for Kids, and Creating a Backyard Vegetable Garden. Pre-registration is required.
• January 2 through May 15: DEC's annual Saratoga Tree Nursery native tree and shrub seedling sale – Dozens of native tree and shrub species are available for purchase at low cost. Browse this year's selection on our website. Place your order by email form (PDF) or, for the most up-to-date species availability information, call (518) 587-1120, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• February: Black History Month – We honor and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. DEC serves NYS residents by addressing environmental justice concerns in communities of color and low-income communities throughout NYS to ensure healthy air for all, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. Check DEC's website in February for a special Black History Month tribute.
• February 14: Valentine’s Day – Air pollution can literally be a heartbreaker as it increases the risk of developing heart conditions and makes existing heart problems worse.
• February 17: Presidents' Day – Presidents Richard Nixon (Clean Air Act 1970), Jimmy Carter (CAA Amendments 1977), George H.W. Bush (CAA Amendments 1990), and others have signed environmental legislation or promulgated rules that continue to protect our air and environment today.
• March 16 to May 14: Annual Spring Burn Ban – Temporarily outlaws burning of residential brush and yard debris.

Stay Informed about Your Air Quality

NYS' ozone season runs from April through September. DEC publishes ground-level ozone forecasts during ozone season and particulate matter pollution forecasts year-round using a scale called the Air Quality Index (AQI). DEC sends out an air quality alert when there is a high AQI value, which indicates polluted air. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, and people who exercise outdoors should take caution during an air quality alert. Find out if an Air Quality Alert is in effect by calling the toll-free Ozone Hotline: 1-800-535-1345.

The AQI can be accessed in three ways:

• Check the daily ozone and particulate matter pollution forecast.
• Find an Air Quality Monitor near you.
• Sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts for NYS via email.

Connect with us at Air Mail!

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