Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh is encouraging constituents to review the Climate Action Council’s draft scoping plan, as well as to submit public comment during the 120-day public comment period which began on Jan. 1, 2020.

“Over the past week I have heard from several concerned constituents regarding the Climate Action Council’s possible recommendation to reduce wood burning by 40 percent,” said Walsh. “We need to be sure that when developing and implementing these types of ambitious goals, that we are talking to the very individuals who will be impacted by such restrictions or changes. There are many New Yorkers, primarily in rural parts of the state, who depend on wood burning to heat their homes due to cost and accessibility. Any such restrictions could really impact a family’s budget, particularly during harsh upstate winters.

“While the Legislature passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019, any sort of next steps will move forward without our approval, which is why it is critical for New Yorkers to make their concerns heard throughout the development of the final scoping plan anticipated to be released at the end of 2022.”

*The draft scoping plan can be found here.

*Public comment can be made online here or by writing to Draft Scoping Plan Comments, NYSERDA, 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399. Details and information about at least six public hearings that will be held statewide are forthcoming.