Dear John,

Last week was quite the week here in NYC – and it was also Climate Week, no less! Even with so much news going on, the work of our office continues.

I’m Louise Yeung, Chief Climate Officer here at the Office of the Comptroller. From making sure the City is prepared for heavy rains to overseeing the Comptroller’s Climate Dashboard (and everything in between), I lead our office’s efforts to confront the climate crisis and support a just and equitable transition to a clean energy future for New York City.

Last week was Climate Week in NYC, which coincides with the United Nations General Assembly. It’s a time when activists, scientists, government officials, and leaders from across the globe come to New York City to share ideas on how to combat the climate crisis.

This year, I really wanted to focus on some of the climate solutions by and for New Yorkers that we’re working on right here at home.

Here are some of the ways our office is doing just that:

1) Last week, we released a new policy report on how to better protect outdoor workers from extreme heat and poor air quality. Laboring in record-hot and smoggy conditions, 1/3 of New York City workers spend long periods of time outdoors – and are acutely vulnerable to extreme weather caused by climate change.

Our report calls for stronger labor protections for those working in these increasingly dangerous conditions. This includes passing legislation—including State Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblymember Harry Bronson's Temperature Extreme Mitigation Program (TEMP) Act—and enacting public health initiatives that keep workers safe during heat waves and air quality emergencies.

2) Last Friday, we also saw an update in the legal fight to reinstate congestion pricing. Governor Kathy Hochul’s motion to dismiss two critical lawsuits to restore congestion pricing was denied.

This is a victory for our broad coalition of transit riders, environmental advocates, and disability justice organizations. Implementing congestion pricing will significantly reduce emissions and air pollution from cars – not to mention achieve $15 billion worth of transit improvements, more frequent trains, and faster busses.

3) BTW, one of our office’s most consequential actions to address the climate crisis? Three of the NYC pension funds’ plan to reach net zero emissions in their investment portfolios by 2040.

Building on the pension funds’ historic divestment of nearly $4 billion from fossil fuel reserves, this plan makes NYC one of the first public pension systems in the country with a comprehensive, concrete plan to reach Net Zero emissions.

4) Our office is also proud to support and engage with local environmental groups. Last Thursday, I spoke at a rally in opposition to Intro 772, which would effectively gut Local Law 97, New York City’s green buildings law.

With hope for a more just and sustainable future,

Louise Yeung
Chief Climate Officer
Office of the NYC Comptroller

Office of the New York City Comptroller

Our mailing address is:
Office of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander
1 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
United States

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