Latest news with #PeteHarckham
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lawmakers push historic ban on hazardous chemical threatening US farmlands: 'The risks are too enormous to do nothing'
Some New York lawmakers are coming together to ban a substance used in farming that contains PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. According to CBS Albany, the leaders joining forces come from both sides of the aisle. Leading the charge are Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles. They are calling for a ban on biosolids, which are toxic sewage sludge, on farmland. The Senate and Assembly bills would ban biosolid use for five years. It would also "require soil and groundwater testing, and establish a program to assist farmers affected by contamination," per CBS Albany. Other states have already banned the use of biosolids in farmland, including Connecticut and Maine. While biosolids are used as a cheaper alternative to fertilizers and do include nutrients, they can contain harmful contaminants, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, industrial waste, and PFAS. According to The Guardian, the biosolids come from treatment plants. The water from toilets gets treated and discharged, and then what's left stays in the treatment plant. However, since it's expensive to dispose of what's left, it has increasingly been used as fertilizer for farmland. As a consequence, it's making people sick and contaminating drinking water, and crops, livestock, and humans are getting exposed to these toxic substances. Sen. Harckham said, "The time to find a way forward without PFAS is right now because the environmental and public health risks are too enormous to do nothing." New York has already banned PFAS in clothing and food packages, so these bills would be another avenue to limit people's exposure to the harmful chemicals. While these lawmakers are working to ban biosolids, you can also use your voice to ensure harmful chemicals are not being used in your state's farmlands by speaking to your representatives. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Claire Walsh Winsler from Environmental Advocates NY said, "Our soil, water, and food are not expendable. We need to end sludge spreading to give New Yorkers peace of mind." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Governor's controversial decision to delay major initiative to lower utility bills sparks outcry: 'Disappointing'
Millions of New Yorkers looking forward to lower utility bills may need to wait longer after a state announcement put those savings on hold, reported Spectrum News 1. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced she won't move forward with the state's "cap and invest" plan right now, citing worries about high gas prices. The program would make companies pay for releasing pollution while funding clean power projects and sending money back to New Yorkers through utility bill rebates. State lawmakers wanted the program running by 2027 to meet New York's goals for a cleaner future. Senate Environmental Conservation Committee chair Pete Harckham voiced his concern: "What was disappointing was that there was no mention of climate change, the environment, or specifically cap and invest pertaining to climate change." Should governments be investing money into new, futuristic cities? Definitely No way Not sure Depends on the country Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. This pause could slow New York's progress toward building healthier communities. The program aims to reduce air pollution by 85% by 2050 while putting money back in people's pockets through rebates. Without it, New Yorkers may face higher costs from extreme weather damage, like the recent California wildfires that strained taxpayers. Senator Liz Krueger noted that delaying action now could mean paying more later, as infrastructure costs tend to rise over time. The program would make big polluters responsible for cleaning up environmental damage instead of leaving the bill for everyday New Yorkers. State leaders aren't giving up, reported Zaman. Senator Kevin Parker is working on his own proposal to get the program moving. Meanwhile, Hochul did sign a major law last month creating a fund paid for by oil and gas companies to help communities deal with extreme weather events. You can speak up by contacting your state representatives to show support for programs that save money while creating cleaner neighborhoods. Local environmental groups also offer ways to get involved in community efforts for affordable clean energy. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
