New York’s Sustainability Plan Will Act on Climate Resilience

(NEW YORK – April 21, 2023) Recent release of PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done includes meaningful commitments to action on climate resilience in New York City. For the first time, the plan proposes the creation of a new Bureau of Coastal Resilience, headed by the Department of Environmental Protection.  

The department has relevant technical expertise and experience, from capital planning and engineering to water management, that will add more capacity and accountability to combatting one of New York City’s most pressing challenges. It also presents new opportunities to comprehensively respond to the multiple water management issues the city faces and to maximize green and natural solutions that benefit people and the environment.  

The plan additionally lays out a commitment to establish the city’s first voluntary housing mobility and land acquisition program. As it stands today, the city faces intersectional crises of climate change and access to housing. It is encouraging that PlaNYC is beginning to address these complex issues and offer greater support to New York City’s frontline communities, which have not historically been provided these options.  

Finally, the plan initiates the city’s first-ever effort to track its budget through a climate lens. As budgets reflect values and priorities, this action provides a greater understanding of how the city is aligning its resources with its stated climate goals. 

We commend the Adams administration for these bold steps on climate resilience and look forward to working with the city toward their implementation.  

-Kate Boicourt, Director, Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds New York - New Jersey, Environmental Defense Fund