City on the Edge: Climate Change and New York City
Program That Helps New Yorkers Pay Winter Heating Bills Delayed by Federal Shutdown, Gov. Says
A program that helps low-income New Yorkers pay for heating in the winter is on hold because of the federal government shutdown, state officials announced Wednesday—at a time when many households are already behind on, or struggling to pay for, their energy bills.
Nearly 1 million New York City households relied on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (known as LIHEAP, or HEAP) last winter to help afford their energy costs, more than any other region in the state. Applications for this season were supposed to open Nov. 3, but are being delayed for at least a few weeks—or until the federal government reopens and reallocates funding, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
It’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Here’s What NYC Tenants Should Know
“Education around lead, and especially lead paint hazards, is something that still is really necessary,” said housing advocate Brandon Kielbasa. “People think of it as something that’s been dealt with already, [but] there’s still about 5,000 kids a year who are poisoned in New York City.”
Opinion: NY Utilities Are Exploiting an Outdated Law to Raise Energy Bills
“Despite her focus on affordability, Gov. Hochul has yet to change any of our policies to bring down energy costs. Repealing the 100-foot rule can be the start.”
