Latest New York Citys: New York City

As part of Vision Zero, DOT is bringing streets into the public realm by building pedestrian plazas. Turning streets from car-filled conduits into attractive places to relax makes city streets more inviting for pedestrians and help drivers become more aware of the need to drive slowly and attentively.

Community Solar, now gaining popularity in New York, is a solar power system whose electricity is shared by more than one household. It expands solar energy in communities where many have traditionally lacked access.

Technology and digital innovations have had a positive impact on our environment - we have the internet to thank for a large reduction of paper and waste. But these innovations can also have negative impacts that we should be aware of.

An effective, environmentally-friendly, modern freight system is crucial to keep up with population growth, reduce tailpipe emissions and truck congestion. NYCEDC recently announced its plan to revamp New York City’s freight system with the Freight NYC initiative.

While New York City’s municipal sanitation workers collect waste and recycling from our curbsides by day, private carting companies are responsible for collecting from commercial properties at night. Community advocates and city policymakers have been combating environmental, health, and safety issues within the commercial waste industry.

Earlier this year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) found that toxic chemicals in drinking water can be harmful at much lower levels than the EPA previously reported as safe. Newly disclosed e-mails between members of the EPA revealed that the agency tried to keep this information hidden to avoid conflict with the public and a negative reaction from the media.

A newly released report published by Bloomberg predicts a very promising future for electric buses. The report found that switching from conventional to electric buses would not only be helpful for air quality, it would also save money in the long term. 

Earlier this month, the New York City Council introduced a package of legislation designed to tackle lead exposure in NYC from water, soil, and paint. The seventeen bills represent the largest and most concerted effort to address lead poisoning in years.