"Frontline communities that have endured historical trauma have been further destabilized by the disparate health impacts of COVID-19 and economic instability," said Elizabeth Yeampierre, executive director, UPROSE; and co-chair, Climate Justice Alliance. "These contemporary challenges demand visionary leadership grounded in community priorities with the ability to operationalize the just transition our communities deserve. Lindsay Greene's appointment as CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard is cause for celebration for all of us!"
Governor Hochul Announces Key Offshore Wind Milestone as Contracts for Empire Wind 2 and Beacon Wind Projects are Finalized
Elizabeth Yeampierre, Executive Director, UPROSE, said, "New York now is poised to be a true national leader in offshore wind as the result of years of frontline environmental justice leadership and our role in getting the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act passed. The CLCPA codifies equity, economy-wide emission reductions, and mandates a minimum of 40% investments to Disadvantaged Communities like Sunset Park, Brooklyn- the same communities that have suffered a legacy and generations of pollution and health disparities. Sunset Park's two-decade struggle for environmental justice and the "green re-industrialization" of NYC's largest industrial waterfront is a model of co-governance for creating an equitable offshore wind industry. The struggle now is for a just transition, ensuring from day one our people are both at the table and working in this industry in every stage of development. UPROSE is excited to see the largest offshore wind solicitation in U.S. history continue to progress in partnership with frontline community leadership and State support."
Mayor de Blasio Releases Vision for Sustainable Freight Network
"Rapid and unregulated growth in last mile fulfillment centers is an environmental justice issue. These massive facilities are concentrated in historically marginalized communities- add toxic air pollution and truck congestion to overburdened communities. UPROSE is encouraged to see the City's commitment to address these issues. For decades, frontline community-led solutions have called for clean marine & rail transportation to reduce the number of polluting diesel trucks from our communities. NYC must lead and be a true partner in operationalizing the community's vision for Green Re-Industrialization of our working waterfront,” said Elizabeth Yeampierre, Executive Director of UPROSE.