Latest news with #environmentalAdvocacy
CNN
01-07-2025
- CNN
Environmental activist: Controversial detention facility in Florida is ‘destructive and cruel'
Elise Pautler Bennett, the Florida Director and Senior Attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, says she's "incredibly concerned about endangered and threatened species" in the Everglades amid construction of the controversial migrant detention center there.
CNN
01-07-2025
- CNN
Environmental activist: Controversial detention facility in Florida is ‘destructive and cruel'
Elise Pautler Bennett, the Florida Director and Senior Attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, says she's "incredibly concerned about endangered and threatened species" in the Everglades amid construction of the controversial migrant detention center there.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Still a chance for NY packaging reduction bill to reach assembly floor
A spokesperson for the leader of the New York State Assembly said it's possible lawmakers in Albany will consider a packaging reduction bill supported by local and statewide environmental advocates before the session ends next week. Whether there will be enough votes to actually approve the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act remains to be seen. In response to questions from the Niagara Gazette this week, Thomas O'Neil White, a spokesperson for assembly Majority Leader and Buffalo Democrat Crystal Peoples-Stokes, said the bill is not on the agenda yet, but People-Stokes believes it will make it to the floor for a vote before the end of the session, which is expected to close either Tuesday or Wednesday. 'It depends on what is in the bill as it could change a few times before coming up for a vote,' O'Neil White said. Supporters of the bill said on Friday that 'possible' consideration was not good enough. Renae Kimble, president of the Niagara Falls chapter of the NAACP, who joined local and statewide environmental advocates in calling for the bill's passage earlier this week, described the bill on Friday as 'vitally important' to protect the health of every Western New Yorker. 'Given the toxic legacy of Western New York, we need all of the assembly members to lead and support this bill,' Kimble said. 'The bill has already been amended 26 times at the request of various businesses. The Senate has already adjourned meaning there is no time for further amendments, so we need the assembly to vote on the bill, as is, before they also adjourn in the coming days.' The act would impose a 30% reduction on packaging statewide over the next 12 years and calls for the phasing out of 17 toxic chemicals currently found in various forms of packaging. Supporters say it would cut plastic waste, improve public health and reduce costs for taxpayers. They also warn that remnants from plastic waste impact health and wellness, resulting in higher costs of care borne by New York residents and local governments. Environmental advocates say plastic waste is particularly harmful to the environment, especially the Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario. Kimble said the impacts have proven particularly harmful to minorities living in cities like Niagara Falls and Buffalo. 'Black, brown, disabled, and marginalized members of our communities across the state have been subjected to the deadly effects of toxic pollutants due to the disproportionate amount of contaminated packing waste sent to landfills and incinerators in heavily populated Environmental Justice communities,' Kimble said. Supporters of the bill's passage have also noted that existing state and local policies, such as the State Agency Green Purchasing Executive Order, and retailer programs, such as Walmart, already work to avoid the use of high-hazard toxic chemicals in packaging and products. Patti Wood, executive director of Grassroots Environmental Education, said the bill builds upon Governor Paterson's 2008 State Agency Green Purchasing Executive Order, which requires state agencies to prioritize the procurement of products. The former governor's order requires the state to reduce or eliminate the health and environmental risks from the use or release of toxic substances, minimize the risks of the discharge of pollutants into the environment and minimize the volume and toxicity of packaging. 'This bill builds on smart green purchasing state and local policies that have been requiring manufacturers to avoid highly toxic chemicals in their products and packaging and 'green the marketplace' since 2008,' Wood said.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Albuquerque begins redevelopment of San Antonio Oxbow Bluffs
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It was about to be dozens of homes on the westside near the Bosque until the city spent millions to save it. Now, the City of Albuquerque is breaking ground on plans to get more people enjoying one of the most unique natural gems along the Rio Grande. 'This space now belongs to us as free open space,' said Open Space Superintendent Colleen Langan-McRoberts. Story continues below Crime: Albuquerque business owner faces murder charge for shooting fleeing shoplifter News: Las Vegas deputy charged with aggravated battery and robbery Business: A downtown Albuquerque shoe shine parlor is still serving patrons after nearly a century Events: What's happening around New Mexico May 30-June 5? Kirtland Air Fiesta and more A green oasis for picnics, dog walking, and taking in nature. That's what Albuquerque Open Spaces envisioned for the San Antonio Oxbow in 2021, after a campaign from neighbors and advocates led to the purchase of the city's last remaining marsh-wetland habitats. 'A small group of determined people can stand up for what they believe and make a difference, and isn't that exactly what happened here?' continued Langan McRoberts. The city bought the 23-acre-Poole Family property for about $7 million, saving it from being built out with around 60 homes. 'The fact that we have these wonderful landscapes features, the Bosque, the foothills, the West Mesa, is so special, it characterizes what this city is all about, and people can relate to these natural features,' emphasized Deputy Director Dennis Vasquez. Now after years of planning, the city is finally redeveloping the open space with a community vision for the rare, natural area, 'And the fact that these over the past 40 years have been protected and preserved and are now being managed for public enjoyment in the future is a very, very special feature about Albuquerque,' continued Vasquez. Phase one, now under construction, will create a new trail system around the property, including an ADA trail. They're also planning to add benches, shade structures, and other outdoor furniture. Along with educational signage and an outdoor classroom. The improvements are expected to finish next spring. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
