The forests, farmlands, and wetlands in the Mid-Hudson Valley are critical environmental and economic resources for the entire region. Yet the burden of protecting these lands is disproportionately borne by local communities, a tension which undermines efforts to preserve them.
Our region has committed to hit ambitious climate targets that approach or achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century, requiring an aggressive shift away from the status quo. But we must address the climate crisis in ways that don’t trigger other crises of equity, affordability or economic decline. RPA is advocating for policies and investments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, advancing fair and effective decarbonization strategies for buildings, ensuring investments in port facilities and interstate collaboration to catalyze a thriving, regional offshore wind development hub and clarifying options in the face of near-term energy decisions.
It’s not enough to create a siloed plan for climate change to fit within and alongside a long-range plan. Careful thinking about adaptation and resilience must be an integral component of every decision, from land use and transportation to how and where we build housing.”
