Climate justice, Gilgo victims
The flooded Peconic Riverfront in Riverhead.in 2013. Credit: Randee Daddona
Climate budget aids communities in need
Long Island has 85 census tracts that New York State identifies as disadvantaged communities. These are communities vulnerable to climate change [“Albany must boost housing,” Editorial, March 29].
From Roosevelt to Riverhead, these are the same communities that were segregated through redlining and blockbusting practices. According to New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act passed in 2019, these communities must receive at least 35% of state benefits to fund projects that combat climate change.
We also have waste and water crises. Facilities such as incinerators and landfills are located in Hempstead, Wyandanch and Bellport. These communities have some of the highest incidences of emergency room visits for asthma.
We need community-led plans for closure and cleanup of these facilities and the transition to clean, efficient, renewable energy. The State Legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul must adopt the People’s Climate Justice Budget — a $1 billion plan developed by communities, for communities, to help address the climate crisis at scale.
On Long Island, the People’s Climate Justice Budget will help reduce and eliminate air and water pollution. It will help our school districts transition to electric school buses. Passing the People’s Climate Justice Budget this year will help those who are most affected get significant, tangible, and equitable benefits.
— Monique Fitzgerald, North Bellport
The writer is the climate justice organizer at the Long Island Progressive Coalition.
Don’t keep telling us Gilgo victims’ jobs
Readers are repeatedly reminded that the Gilgo Beach victims were “sex workers” [“New details on Gilgo four,” News, March 20]. Is that necessary? Are potential jurors going to be swayed by the perception that they somehow deserved their fate because of this label?
They are and will be God’s children, a loss of beautiful souls. Their paths and reasoning for their choice of work is beyond our knowledge. Who are we to judge? Who is on trial here?
— Gerald Schappert, Babylon
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