For those of you in the United States, or following US politics, there were lots of amazing firsts during the recent mid-term elections. Women’s reproductive rights were cemented in constitutional amendments in California, Michigan and Vermont. The nation’s first openly lesbian Governor, Maura Healey, was elected in Massachusetts. New York elected its first female Governor, Kathy Hochul and Wes Moore became Maryland’s first Black Governor.
Many of these firsts defied formidable odds but more importantly, they show that people are demanding a just, equitable, and inclusive future.
Driving progress to make that future a reality, New York voters passed the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Bond Act with nearly 70% of the vote. This initiative dedicates $4.2 billion to improving public health by protecting drinking water and supporting upgrades to stormwater infrastructure alongside habitat conservation.
OSA and Partners at Earth Justice, The Nature Conservancy, Stony Brook University, Surfrider Foundation, and Wildlife Conservation Society served as coalition members in support of New York state’s Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act.
You may be thinking that a large bond initiative like this only works because New York is a wealthy state. While there is truth to that, as financial resources are a critical component to successful change, the real reason bonds like this work are because its supporters truly value their natural resources and recognize the need for investments in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. They are taking action now to make a generational investment in the promise of a green economy and an equitable future.
It is also noteworthy to point out that this bond passed at a time when the cost of living is a major concern in New York City and across the state. This shows that in spite of the existing financial barriers, communities recognize and understand the significance of clean water not only for their personal health but also for the environment and economy.
The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act is a great example of a community advocating for the positive changes they want to see. Addressing sewage and wastewater pollution isn’t an easy problem to fix with scalable solutions, but understanding the need for these investments and asking the public to meet the challenge is a necessary first step. Kudos to New Yorkers for going big on this one!
