Implementation of New York's Climate Act: Disadvantaged Communities

Yvonne Hennessey, chair of the Environmental and Energy Law Section, writes: Given the importance of this guidance and the Section's interests in the just, equitable and sustainable implementation of the CLCPA, EELS brought together members that have diverse collective expertise in environmental and energy law and the complex issues that have historically affected disadvantaged communities in the state as a result of greenhouse gas and co-pollutant air emissions.

January 11, 2024 at 11:03 AM

3 minute read

Environmental Law

Yvonne Hennessey, Chair, Environmental

Energy Law Section

The world of environmental and energy law is filled with acronyms. Examples abound like the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) or the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). We even refer to our section as EELS. This year, however, we have a new acronym: DAC. The term comes from the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), enacted into law in 2019 as part of New York's ongoing efforts to implement the most ambitious climate change agenda in the United States.