City Policy

Sonal Jessel Takes the Verge on Our East Harlem Heat Tour – July 14, 2021

When the Verge approached us to learn more about the Urban Heat Island effect, WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s Director of Policy and resident heat expert Sonal Jessel, M.P.H. took journalist Justine Calma and her film crew on our East

Sonal Jessel on Extreme Heat in East Harlem in National Geographic – June 17, 2021

WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s Director of Policy Sonal Jessel, M.P.H. was featured in a June 17, 2021 National Geographic article on the impact of extreme heat around the world. She gave the journalist a “heat tour” of East Harlem

Sonal Jessel Makes the Case for Electric School Buses in Governing Op-Ed – April 19, 2021

WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s Director of Policy Sonal Jessel, M.P.H. co-authored an April 19, 2021 Op-Ed in Governing with the Amalgamated Transit Union’s International President John A. Costa in which they make the case for replacing dirty diesel school

City Council Passes Common Sense Lead Legislation to Protect New York City’s Children

CITY COUNCIL PASSES COMMON SENSE LEAD LEGISLATION TO PROTECT NEW YORK CITY’S CHILDREN Expanding Inspection Requirements When Lead Is Detected and Increasing Oversight and Enforcement of Lead Dust from Construction FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2021 Contact: Chris

Renewable Rikers Act Could Serve as a Model for a Just Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy

Creating a Major Source of Renewable Energy for New York City and Green Jobs for Communities Adversely Impacted by Environmental and Criminal Injustice FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 11, 2021 Contact: Chris Dobens, 212-410-1963, chris@weact.org HARLEM, NY — WE ACT for Environmental Justice

WE ACT Celebrates New York City Mayor’s Fossil Fuel Ban

WE ACT CELEBRATES MAYOR DE BLASIO’S NEW YORK CITY FOSSIL FUEL BAN Prohibiting Natural Gas and Oil Connections in New Construction Will Reduce Air Pollution, Slow Climate Change, and Pave the Way for Renewable Energy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sonal Jessel Featured in Climate Mobilization Act Amendment Coverage in Bloomberg – November 17, 2020

WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Sonal Jessel was featured in Bloomberg Law’s coverage of the signing of Intro 1947 into law on November 17, 2020. Jessel also spoke at the press conference, during which New York

WE ACT Celebrates New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Expanding Climate Mobilization Act while Safeguarding Affordable Housing

WE ACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE CELEBRATES NEW YORK CITY MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO EXPANDING THE NUMBER OF BUILDINGS REQUIRED TO REDUCE EMISSIONS WHILE SAFEGUARDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING City Seizes Opportunity to Expand Climate Mobilization Act as New York State Rent Legislation Now

WE ACT Applauds NYC Council for Expanding Climate Mobilization Act while Safeguarding Affordable Housing

WE ACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE APPLAUDS THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL FOR EXPANDING THE NUMBER OF BUILDINGS REQUIRED TO REDUCE EMISSIONS WHILE SAFEGUARDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING City Seizes Opportunity to Expand Climate Mobilization Act as New York State Rent Legislation Now Protects Affordable Housing Residents From

WE ACT Joins Coalition to Protect New York City Children from Diesel School Bus Emissions

WE ACT GETS ON THE BUS WITH THE NEW YORK CITY CLEAN SCHOOL BUS COALITION TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES BY ELECTRIFYING THE CITY’S SCHOOL BUS FLEETS Coalition Launches Campaign to Protect Children from Carcinogenic Pollution and