S8931

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring planning and zoning boards to receive training on climate-related resources and best practices available to municipalities. Senate Print 8931, sponsored by Sen. Hinchey, mandates one hour of training to help municipal boards understand tools and grants available through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, federal programs, and state initiatives. The bill passed on a 57-0 roll call vote. Sen. Hinchey argued that planning and zoning boards play a critical role in shaping communities and advancing climate goals, and that training would help them navigate the growing number of grants programs and best practices to make informed decisions on technology, equipment, and infrastructure. She credited environmental planning expert Brigid Walsh with helping develop the bill's language.