Failing to Implement Climate Plan Would Cost Us Dearly in Near Future
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
Regarding last week’s article “Mt. Pleasant Retains Engineers to Address Flooding, Pursue Grant Money,” in The Examiner, as town officials bring engineering teams back to analyze flood mitigation, they’re realizing what so many of us already know: delaying and denying doesn’t make the problem go away, it only makes it more expensive.
As the article stated, “it’s frustrating that the previous studies identified a solution but previous boards decided against moving forward with the plans when the cost was far lower. Now the price is exponentially higher.”
With the recent life-threatening flooding experienced throughout Manhattan and Westchester, it’s clear there’s no time to waste. Rainstorms are getting stronger and our flood risk is only increasing. Despite the urgency, the New York Business Council is attempting to slow implementation of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) saying they need to “educate the public about the cost.”
The cost of the CLCPA (a few added dollars to your monthly energy bill) will be pennies compared to the billions of dollars in damage should New York State fail to meet its climate targets. It’s absolutely imperative that Gov. Kathy Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins ensure New York’s commitment to reliable energy continues.
The legislature must also stop stalling on the NY HEAT bill and let the green energy transition happen.
Delaying and denying might be a tempting political strategy but every day that goes by without action brings an untold amount of cost to all New Yorkers.
Laura Burkhardt
Sleepy Hollow
Examiner Media – Keeping you informed with professionally-reported local news, features, and sports coverage.
