2 days ago
Environmental lawyers slam DOT climate policy
ALBANY, New York — The state's transportation department is 'flouting' New York's landmark climate law by failing to provide enough guidance to scrutinize agency decisions, a new report says.
New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, a legal nonprofit that often represents environmental groups, issued a report Thursday examining the Department of Transportation's approach to the state's 2019 climate law. They say there's a need for further action and that the agency is running afoul of the law by not closely scrutinizing highway projects.
'It's really shocking how little they've done,' said Caroline Chen, director of environmental justice at NYLPI. 'Across the board, New York state DOT is just showing almost entirely indifference to the [Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act] and how it's doing the work on the ground.'
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DOT spokesperson Glenn Blain said the department is committed to achieving the state's climate goals, and all projects undergo 'vigorous environmental review and adhere to all applicable state and federal laws.'
