By Bill Parry
City Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) has been appointed chairman of the Council Environmental Protection Committee. The appointment was approved unanimously by the full City Council July 9.
Constantinides has worked on many pieces of environmental legislation in his 1 1/2 years on the Council, including Local Law 66 reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050. That law became an integral part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s pledge to make the city greener and also became part of the Council’s platform to strengthen the city’s commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
“We have already made great strides in environmental policy and I plan to push even further in reducing our carbon emissions and combating climate change,” Constantinides said. “The stakes are high for our city and our planet, and continued bold policy relating to our environment will lead us to a stronger, sustainable New York City.”
To help achieve that goal, Constantinides has sponsored additional legislation to encourage more use of solar, geothermal energy and biofuels. As committee chairman, he will work to implement policies that raise awareness of climate change and lower reliance on fossil fuels.
“Constantinides has a strong record of achievement on environmental issues, such as passage of the ‘80 by 50’ greenhouse gas reduction plan,” Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said. “I look forward to his continued leadership in making New York City as green and environmentally friendly as possible.”
Constantinides has a long record of environmental accomplishments prior to taking office. He spent six years working with former Councilman James Gennaro, then-chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee.
They helped to fight hydraulic fracturing in New York state and passed legislation expanding the city’s use of alternative fuels, legislation that helped green buildings and legislation that improved air and water quality. Environmental advocates supported Constantinides’s appointment.
“He has been a longtime advocate for strong environmental safeguards, going back to his work as a community activist,” city Environmental Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council Eric Goldstein said. “He cares deeply about protecting his Astoria constituents and New Yorkers more generally from the impacts of climate change and from local air pollution sources. He has firsthand experience in fighting to keep our city’s drinking water supply safe and affordable. He understands how to get things done in government.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
