Dear Neighbor,

Below you will find governmental updates from the past month, recent actions by the Trump Administration impacting New Yorkers, and upcoming events and other useful information affecting our district.

As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please email or call my office at lkrueger@nysenate.gov or 212-490-9535.

Liz Krueger

State Senator

What's In This Newsletter?

Governmental Updates:

• Update on Trump Administration Impacts
• Legislation to Enact 3-Year Moratorium on New Data Centers
• Senate Passes Bill Package to Reform Utility Ratemaking Process
• Submetering Survey
• Nominations For Women Of Distinction And Veterans Hall Of Fame

Community Updates:

• Update on Roosevelt Island Steam Plant Demolition
• Community Education Council District 2 Town Hall
• Free Tax Prep Services from Access NYC
• NYC "Rental Ripoff" Hearings
• DOROT's Passover Package Delivery
• YMCA Lifeguard Training
• New York Road Runners Run for the Future

Update on Trump Administration Impacts

Below is a small sample of actions the Trump Administration has taken this past month that have had concrete, negative impacts on New Yorkers. Click on the links for more details:

• After the Supreme Court overturned the tariffs that President Trump implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), he announced that he would implement a new, blanket 15% tariff on all countries, which is also illegal, based on a misreading of Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. These tariffs, which must expire after 150 days, among other impacts will have the perverse effect of raising the tariff rate on some countries that negotiated "deals" with President Trump, while lowering them on other countries. According to the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, New York City households paid an additional $4,200 in costs on average over the last year as a result of the president's tariffs.

• The EPA revoked its 2009 endangerment finding, which gave the federal government the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, essentially declaring that America surrenders in the fight for humanity's future. It remains to be seen whether the action will hold up in court. In the meantime, EPA's own analysis shows that failure to continue regulating greenhouse gases will increase costs for Americans.

• The EPA also plans to rollback rules that protect Americans from airborne mercury and other toxics spewing from dirty coal power plants. At the same time the Administration has rolled out a new mascot called "Coalie," (you really can't make this stuff up) to be the face of their backward-looking energy agenda.

• Under the Trump Administration, detention of children by ICE has increased sixfold, from an average of around 25 children being held on any given day under President Biden, to 170 under President Trump, with some days over 400 children being held. The data analyzed does not include the period covering the recent surge in ICE activity in Minneapolis, nor does it include those held by Border Patrol or the Office of Refugee Settlement.

• Earlier this month the Wall Street Journal revealed that months before the Trump Administration announced a deal to allow the United Arab Emirates to purchase 500,000 Nvidia AI chips - in spite of concerns that it would allow China to gain access to the technology - a high-ranking member of the Emirati royal family known as the "spy sheikh" had secretly invested half a billion dollars in the Trump family's cryptocurrency company.

• Violating the 1906 Antiquities Act, President Trump signed a proclamation allowing commercial fishing in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, the only marine national monument in the Atlantic, which was created by President Obama in 2016.

• The Trump Administration revoked a rule created during the Biden Administration that required nursing homes to reduce neglect among residents by increasing staffing levels, after nursing home industry representatives donated several million dollars to a MAGA super PAC.

• A review by the New York Times determined that President Trump has used the office of the presidency to directly enrich himself to the tune of at least $1.4 billion dollars, a likely underestimate.

• Customs and Border Protection accidentally caused the closure of the airspace around the city of El Paso, Texas, because they fired a borrowed anti-drone laser at a balloon. After falsely claiming that the balloon was a drone operated by a Mexican drug cartel, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy assured Americans that "the threat has been neutralized."

• A new paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that immigration plays a critical role in reducing older adult mortality, by increasing the number of health aides, nurses, and doctors. Conversely, severely reducing immigration by one million immigrants annually, as proposed by the Trump Administration, could lead to around 15,000 additional deaths among US older adults.

• The Administration has ratcheted up its weaponization of the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission, issuing a warning to Apple for what it perceives as an anti-conservative bias at Apple News, and an investigation of Media Matters for their attempts to bring to light the spread of hate speech on Twitter. Stephen Colbert also recently claimed that the Administration and CBS prevented him from airing an interview with a Democratic Senate candidate from Texas.

• President Trump is now pushing for not one but two specially minted coins to "celebrate" the nation's 250th anniversary. One, previously reported, would have his face in profile, similar to the king of Great Britain. The most recent proposal is for a second coin with Trump facing straight on - and this one is supposed to be gold.

• RFK Jr. faced new calls for his resignation after he said he was not concerned about COVID risk because he "used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats."

As the Trump Administration continues down the path toward authoritarianism, away from democracy, the repeated acts of courageous nonviolent resistance that we witnessed from Minnesotans provided an important lesson in pushing back against ICE's presence in their communities and against authoritarianism. The following articles examine the Trump Administration's actions in Minnesota as a reflection of their authoritarian aims, the community's response as a model for successful resistance, and what we can learn from community leaders' experience organizing the general strike:

• In Minnesota, the Fight Against ICE Is Also the Fight Against Authoritarianism
• Six Vital Lessons From Minnesota’s General Strike
• Minnesota and the Threat of American Authoritarianism

Advocacy and nonviolent resistance efforts are taking place throughout the U.S. The following is a sampling of coverage from which to draw inspiration and hope:

• Supreme Court’s Tariff Ruling and Trump’s Immediate New Levies Add New Uncertainty in Global Trade
• House members seek inquiry into DoJ’s tracking of their Epstein files research
• Dems challenge Pam Bondi to address Epstein’s victims at House Judiciary hearing
• Trump administration says it is ending its immigration surge in Minnesota
• Judge restricts federal agents from using tear gas, projectile munitions at Portland immigration protests
• Poll: Nearly two-thirds of Americans say ICE has gone too far in immigration crackdown

Senator Krueger Introduces Legislation to Enact

3-Year Moratorium on New Data Centers

At the beginning of this month I introduced legislation (S.9144) with Assemblymember Anna Kelles to establish a temporary moratorium on the siting and permitting of new large data centers in New York State.

Across the United States and increasingly in New York, data-center development has accelerated at a pace that has outstripped existing planning, regulatory, and environmental review frameworks. Large-scale facilities place substantial new demand on the electric grid, driving up electricity costs for residential and commercial ratepayers, increasing reliance on fossil-fuel “peaker” plants during periods of peak demand, and complicating compliance with state greenhouse gas reduction requirements. Many data centers also rely on significant water withdrawals and discharge large volumes of heated or chemically treated wastewater, raising concerns for local water quality and aquatic ecosystems. The rapid turnover of data center equipment is also increasing electronic waste, and with New York already running out of landfill space, this could accelerate capacity loss and drive up trash disposal costs for households and businesses statewide.

The legislation responds to these documented and emerging impacts by creating a temporary, three-year pause on new data-center development while the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) completes a comprehensive environmental impact statement evaluating the industry’s current and projected effects on energy use, electricity rates, water resources, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and electronic waste. DEC will also be required to establish regulations to mitigate these negative impacts. At the same time, the bill requires the Public Service Commission (PSC) to report on the cost impacts of data centers on all other ratepayers, and issue any orders necessary to ensure those costs are fully borne by data center developers, not regular New Yorkers and other businesses.

This pause is intended to ensure that New York fully understands the cumulative impacts of this rapidly expanding industry and can establish clear, enforceable, data-driven standards so that any future development complies with existing environmental and climate law and proceeds in a manner that protects public health and environmental resources, and does not raise energy costs for New Yorkers.

In December more than 50 New York groups joined the call for a full moratorium on the approval and construction of new data centers, citing massive and unsustainable energy and water consumption, and skyrocketing utility costs for families and small businesses.

Massive data centers are gunning for New York, and right now we are completely unprepared. When one of these energy-guzzling facilities comes to town they drive up utility prices and have significant negative impacts on the environment and the community - and they have little to no positive impact on the local economy. New Yorkers are suffering from an affordability crisis and a climate crisis, and data centers are going to make both of those much harder to deal with. It's time to hit the pause button, give ourselves some breathing room to adopt strong policies on data centers, and avoid getting caught in a bubble that will burst and leave New York utility customers footing a huge bill.

Senate Passes Bill Package to

Reform Utility Ratemaking Process

This month the State Senate passed legislation to ensure utility providers act in the best interest of New York’s ratepayers. The legislation aims to equip the Public Service Commission (PSC) with resources to better evaluate the impact of utility providers’ actions on ratepayers, and prevent utilities from profiting at the expense of the communities they serve. Also included is legislation that would prohibit public utilities from recovering funds from ratepayers to support certain non-operational expenses like lobbying or entertainment; authorize the PSC to consider non-economic damages when determining penalties for utilities; require utilities to return excess revenue to ratepayers; and mandate that utility providers notify ratepayers of a proposed rate hike via text, email, and/or their monthly utility bill. 

Bills in the package included:

• Prohibiting Ratepayer Funded Expense Recovery for Political Activities: This bill, S.1012A, sponsored by Senator Brouk, would prevent public utilities from recovering funds from ratepayers to support certain activities such as expenses incurred from lobbying public officials, donations to public charities, travel, entertainment and educational expenditures as well as public relations and advertising campaigns.
• Enacting the Rate Hike Notice Act: This bill, S.5553C, sponsored by Senator Comrie, would enact the Rate Hike Notice Act, which directs the PSC to mandate electric and gas utilities to provide notice of a proposed rate hike to a customer via text, email, and to that customer’s monthly utility bill.
• Utility Hikes Economic Impact: This bill, S.1847, sponsored by Senator Comrie, would require the PSC to consider the economic impact of utility rates and charges when evaluating utilities’ proposed rate changes.
• Regulating Appointments to the PSC: This bill, S.7328A, sponsored by Senator Hinchey, would expand the number of PSC commissioners to eight; codify the PSC’s mission to ensure affordable, reliable, and safe access to utility services for New Yorkers; and prohibit any employee of a utility regulated by the PSC from serving as a commissioner for two years after their employment.
• Evaluating Non-Economic Damages for Utilities: This bill, S.7165A, sponsored by Senator Hinchey, would authorize the PSC to consider non-economic damages suffered by customers when determining penalties for utilities, including penalties negotiated in settlements. These non-economic damages may include, for example, any pain and suffering or mental anguish endured by a utility customer during an unplanned power outage.
• Establishing a Fair Annual Ratemaking Process: This bill, S.1896, sponsored by Senator Mayer, would direct the PSC to reform the PSC’s evaluation of utilities’ return on equity (ROE) to ensure the ROE that electric, gas, steam, and water utilities receive is reasonable and transparent for ratepayers.
• Extending the Suspension Period for Utility Rate Cases: This bill, S.5593, sponsored by Senator Mayer, would (1) permit the PSC to extend the suspension period for gas or electric utility rate cases up to fourteen months in order to mitigate financial strain on ratepayers and allow more time for the PSC and intervenors to scrutinize utility rate filings for potential savings to ratepayers, and (2) limit utilities’ “make whole” ability to retroactively collect rate increase amounts.
• Requiring Utilities to Return Excess Revenue to Ratepayers: This bill, S.7693, sponsored by Senator Mayer, would direct the PSC to require gas, electric, or combination gas and electric utilities to return to ratepayers all revenues in excess of their authorized rate of return on equity.
• Mandating Minimum Standards for Utility Payment Plans: This bill, S.1327, sponsored by Senator Parker, would direct the PSC to set minimum standards for payment plans established by utility companies for eligible residential customers already enrolled in other assistance programs.
• Adjusting Electric Residential Fixed Charges: This bill, S.1329, sponsored by Senator Parker, would direct the Department of Public Service to limit monthly fixed service charges: utility corporations would only be permitted to bill residential customers fixed charges for fixed operation and maintenance costs directly related to metering, billing, service connections, and the provision of customer service.

Submetering Survey

We are still seeking responses to our electrical submetering survey. As a reminder, this survey is part of an effort by our office to gather information about high electric bills potentially being caused by the implementation of third party electrical submetering systems in some multifamily apartment buildings. This survey will help our office to create legislation to better address this rapidly growing industry.

If you or someone you know believes that your electric bill may be improperly high due to the implementation of submeters, please do not hesitate to fill out the survey. Even if you are not 100% sure that you are in an electrically submetered building, please fill out the survey, as the more information we have, the more effective our legislation can be! The information individuals provide will be confidential and only for use by Senator Krueger's Office.

Thank you!

Nominations For Women Of Distinction

And Veterans Hall Of Fame

Every year, the New York State Senate recognizes outstanding members of our local communities through two ongoing programs - the Veterans Hall of Fame and the Women of Distinction program.

The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. The Women of Distinction celebration, held every year during Women's History Month, honors New York women who have enriched our community, our state, and our nation.

Each Senator may nominate a constituent for recognition through these programs. Last year I nominated Sarah Woodside Gallagher as a Woman of Distinction, and Thomas Pike for the Veterans Hall of Fame.

This year I am asking you to help me identify outstanding women and veterans from the 28th Senate District as potential nominees for these honors. If you would like to suggest someone as a potential nominee, please fill out the appropriate form below:

• For Women of Distinction, click here. The deadline to submit a nomination is March 10th.

• For Veterans Hall of Fame, click here. The deadline to submit a nomination is March 10th.

Update on Roosevelt Island Steam Plant Demolition

I have heard from a number of constituents on Roosevelt Island concerned about the demolition of the Steam Plant. My office has met with RIOC and HPD to ensure that all environmental and safety procedures are being followed and will be met. Please see the summary of environmental and safety procedures HPD shared with our office. 

From HPD:

Roosevelt Island Steam Plant Demo 

Environmental and Safety Procedures Memo 

The Roosevelt Island Steam Plant, a structure built in 1939, was decommissioned in 2014. In July of 2024, the Department of Buildings issued an Emergency Order due to deteriorating conditions of the masonry and facade. Visible cracks and faulty masonry were observed on both the building and smokestacks. In 2025, the City, through the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, moved forward with a demolition plan in order to address the potential collapse of the smokestacks, seeking to safely remove the existing structure in response to the Emergency Order.  HPD’s Demolition Unit, which addresses structural conditions citywide when there are emergency orders from DOB, has contracted with a reputable licensed demolition contractor to complete the emergency work as quickly as possible in accordance with all federal, state and local laws. 

HPD is committed to the safe and environmentally responsible demolition of the Roosevelt Island steam plant. We are ensuring that our contractor adheres to all federal, state, and local environmental regulations to safeguard the health and safety of Roosevelt Island residents related to the demolition. 

We are implementing a multi-layered protective infrastructure to safeguard residents and existing infrastructure. Licensed environmental professionals will conduct any required remediation work.

We are committed to transparent communication about timelines and safety measures as well as continuous monitoring throughout all phases of demolition. 

HPD welcomes community feedback and remains committed to keeping Roosevelt Island residents informed throughout this project. We will continue to prioritize community well-being as we work to responsibly demolish this defunct facility. 

Tramway Protection 

• Specialized roof protection system featuring three protective layers: 
• 2-inch high-density foam base layer 
• ¾-inch plywood middle layer 
• Sandbag top layer for maximum impact resistance 
• Custom protective wood structures around roof exhausts and skylights with ventilation screening 

Additional Safety Infrastructure 

• Sidewalk sheds to protect pedestrians 
• Scaffolding and safety netting around chimney stacks 
• Controlled demolition protocols to minimize environmental impact 

Environmental Remediation Effort 

HPD is working with experienced environmental contractors to ensure all contaminated materials required to be removed or addressed during demolition are handled according to the highest safety standards.   

Oil Tank Removal 

• 8 underground oil tanks successfully dismantled and removed as of February 4 
• 4 remaining tanks scheduled for expected removal by end of February (weather permitting) 
• Soil samples collected and analyzed during tank removal 
• Contaminated and potentially contaminated soil properly isolated on-site in 6-mil polyethylene wrapping 
• Comprehensive removal plan in development in full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations 
• Clean fill replacement planned following approved remediation procedures 

Asbestos Abatement  

All asbestos work will be performed by licensed asbestos abatement contractors, and independent, third-party environmental monitoring will be conducted by licensed air quality specialists in full compliance with DEP Title 15, Chapter 1, and DOL Industrial Code Rule 56. 

Please note that all time estimates are subject to change based on weather, permitting, and other factors: 

Phase 1: Preparation (Estimated Late February) 

• DOB permit application submitted and under final review 
• Make-ready work to remove obstructions, conducted under OSHA safety guidelines 
• FDNY permits obtained for necessary torch work with required fire watch protocols 

Phase 2: Abatement (Estimated April) 

• Licensed abatement work to start following DEP approval 
• Continuous air monitoring throughout the process 
• Concurrent with controlled stack demolition 

Controlled Demolition Process (Estimated April-May) 

• Hand demolition techniques to maximize control and minimize dust 
• Debris dropped through stacks as contained chutes 
• All debris that will be removed via truck will be securely covered during transport to prevent community exposure 
• Discussions with EDC may continue regarding option to barge 

Community Education Council District 2 Town Hall

Free Tax Prep Services from Access NYC

Live or work in NYC? Get free tax help if you earn under $97,000 with qualifying children or dependents or $68,000 without.

• The deadline to file your 2025 tax return is April 15, 2026

• There are over 140 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) locations across New York City that can help you file in-person, online, or over the phone

• NYC Free Tax Prep can help you get your full refund and all eligible credits, including the Empire State Child Tax Credit (up to $1,000 per child under four and up to $500 per child ages 4 to 16)

• Self-employed freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners can get free year-round resources for filing taxes and making estimated tax payments

NYC "Rental Ripoff" Hearings

In January 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed Executive Order 08, establishing NYC's first-ever "Rental Ripoff Hearings." These hearings will give New Yorkers across all five boroughs a direct platform to share their housing experiences in one-on-one conversations with City officials and help shape housing policy.

New Yorkers can discuss the challenges they face—from poor conditions and repair delays to unconscionable business practices and non-rent fees. City leaders from agencies focused on tenant stability, housing quality, and consumer protection will be there to listen.

Your testimony will directly inform policy changes to strengthen city policies to protect tenants. This is your chance to tell City government what's working, what isn't, and what needs to change.

Registration is required. You can attend at any borough location. If you cannot attend a hearing, there are options for submitting digital testimony coming soon.

DOROT's Passover Package Delivery

YMCA Lifeguard Training

To respond to the lifeguard shortage that has impacted New York City at large, the YMCA of Greater New York has launched a lifeguard training and certification course that is completely free for participants 16+ who can pass a pre-requisite swim test. This is a city-wide campaign, offering training in each borough multiple times throughout the year.  

Upcoming session:

• YMCA Location McBurney (Pretest by March 21st)

Spring Break Session Dates:  April 6th - April 10th 

This is a wonderful opportunity for residents across the borough to gain a certification that will not only provide employment opportunities but also aid in the development of skills such as leadership, teamwork, and decision-making.  

Participants will receive a $550 stipend just for taking the class. Additionally, those who successfully complete the course and receive certification will be eligible to apply to work at one of the YMCA's 24 branches. If hired, individuals will receive a $250 sign on bonus. If they stay with us for 3 months, they will receive an additional $250 bonus.

New York Road Runners Run for the Future