October 30th, 2026

New Model Laws Will Support Responsible Data Center Growth

Giving state and local leaders tools to protect their communities.

The rapid expansion of data centers is putting growing pressure on electricity systems, water supplies, and communities across the nation that count on reliable and safe infrastructure. The Model Climate Laws Initiative, a joint project of Environmental Advocates NY and Columbia Law School’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, has released two model laws to help state and local governments set stronger rules for data center development. The proposals address issues including clean energy requirements, water use, public transparency, zoning, and community benefits.

Read about the new model laws >>

In New York, the state is already preparing to study the impacts of data centers, but the proposed plan doesn’t sufficiently take rising electricity bills, air pollution, water consumption, and impacts on local communities and Indigenous Nations into account. Join us in urging the Department of Public Service to conduct a comprehensive environmental review before large-scale data center development moves forward in New York State. The new deadline for comments is November 4th.

Take action to protect New Yorkers from data centers >>

A Big Week for Clean Water in New York

Working to advance water protections statewide. 

1. Governor Hochul announced nearly $500 million in grants for 106 drinking water and sewer projects across New York. The grants are expected to save local communities an estimated $1 billion in debt service. Read the announcement >>

2. October 25th-31st is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness of the serious health risks lead poses, especially for children. Lead can enter drinking water through pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures, making lead pipe replacement and prevention essential to protecting public health. Learn more about lead poisoning prevention >>

3. In a new Buffalo News op-ed, EANY’s Rob Hayes and president of the state’s Parent Teacher Association Patricia Frazier address the threat PFAS contamination poses to drinking water and public health. These persistent chemicals are linked to serious health concerns, underscoring the need to protect water supplies and prevent further exposure — and that’s why Gov. Hochul needs to sign the Protecting PFAS Drinking Water Limits bill to help get PFAS out of our household water supplies. Read the op-ed >>

Take action to protect New York’s drinking water >>

Less Food Waste, More Food on the Table

EANY’s Executive Director Vanessa Fajans-Turner and Assemblymember Karines Reyes urge Gov. Hochul to sign the Food Date Labeling Act.

Confusing food date labels lead New Yorkers to throw away perfectly good food, even as families struggle with grocery costs and food insecurity. In a new amNewYork op-ed, New York Assemblymember Karines Reyes and EANY’s Executive Director Vanessa Fajans-Turner make the case for the Food Date Labeling Act, which would establish a consistent standard for food date labels across New York.

The legislation would distinguish between “Best if Used by” dates, which refer to freshness and quality, and “Use by” dates, which indicate when food should be discarded for safety. Clearer labels could help households waste less food and money while making it easier for food banks to distribute donations. The bill has passed both chambers of the state Legislature. Now, Governor Hochul must sign it into law.

Read the op-ed >>

Tell Governor Hochul to sign the Food Date Labeling Act >>

Let New Yorkers Plug Into Solar

Sen. Liz Krueger and City Council Speaker Julie Menin urge Gov. Hochul to sign the SUNNY Act.

In a new New York Daily News op-ed, State Sen. Liz Krueger and New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin urge Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the SUNNY Act, a bill the Legislature passed in June that would legalize small, plug-in solar panels for use in homes and apartments.

Often called “balcony solar,” these devices connect to a standard electrical outlet, giving renters and apartment dwellers a more accessible way to generate clean electricity and reduce their utility bills. The SUNNY Act would remove regulatory barriers designed for larger, professionally installed solar systems while establishing safety standards for plug-in devices.

Read the op-ed >>

Tell Gov. Hochul to sign the SUNNY Act >>

Join the Fight for a Cleaner, Healthier Future

Your generous support has been crucial in advancing New York’s environmental priorities. But we need your help to keep up the fight, especially in these times. By donating to Environmental Advocates NY, you’ll bolster our efforts to lead on the issues that matter most to all New Yorkers — clean air, safe water, and a sustainable future. Please give today, and power our work for a healthier state.