Greener stimulus plans can respond to both the economic crisis and climate change. Let's also use them to prepare for a future with less oil.

Faced with economic crisis and budget cuts, how can NYC keep moving forward with PlaNYC, the City's long-term sustainability plan, let alone maintain our mass transit system?   Some will say that although we should respond to climate change, sustainability initiatives are luxuries we can't afford. Actually, we will have no choice but to use less oil. Depite the recent drop in oil prices, world oil production will begin declining, perhaps as soon as 2010. Fuel depletion will make energy price and supply increasingly volatile. If oil prices stay low because of weakened demand, this dangerously hides a looming supply problem. Raising public awareness of  this issue will build support for making economic recovery programs as green as possible - while allowing us to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Smart infrastructure investment will stabilize the economy and create local jobs that can't be outsourced, while reducing pollution, climate change, and our dependence on imported fuels. It will also increase our resiliency to price and supply disruptions that are on the way, but are addressed only indirectly by PlaNYC. The Sierra Club NYC report, “Sustainable Energy Independence for New York City” offers many short- and long-term recommendations at the City, State and National levels. In spring 2008, it was endorsed by over 20 organizations.

Spring 2009 Update and Summary

1. Revise plans and budgets for higher energy costs
Urge government officials and civic leaders to address this issue, starting by identifying impacts in various future energy price and supply scenarios, and ways to mitigate them, as has been done by San Francisco and Portland, Oregon.

2.  Create contingency plans for price spikes and fuel shortages.  
City government should anticipate fuel disruptions and make plans to deal with price spikes or fuel shortages.  This issue has not been addressed by City sustainability initiatives or the NYC Office of Emergency Management. The Mayor's Office of Sustainability and Long-Term Planning has been notified of this issue, but contends its current efforts are adequate.

3. Set up Sierra Club Green Neighborhood Action Forums
Volunteers are organizing neighborhood forums to connect residents with practical ways to lower carbon footprints, and improve food and energy security. Attendees will hear presenters from NYSERDA, the State energy agency, explain how to lower energy costs in homes and businesses. Representatives from gardening groups will offer tips on starting gardens, buying from green markets, and using more food grown in New York State. Preparation for energy volatility will be discussed. Contact us to get involved.