U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm visited the Greenpoint Library on the encouragement of U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez. They toured the library’s sustainable green roof and solar panels in addition to checking out its educational energy use tracking, rainwater management, and horticultural programs that help reduce energy usage.
NYS Assembly Member Emily Gallagher was also in attendance as were representatives of community activists whose organizations have been advocating for a greener North Brooklyn for decades. “I discussed the need to combat oil and industry misinformation about renewable energy, investing in resilience and making sure tenants benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act! It was wonderful to be with community leaders from Newtown Creek Alliance, North Brooklyn Neighbors, St. Nicks Alliance, and North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, and show off the passion and dedication to environmental justice of our neighborhood,” she stated.
NYS Senator Kristine Gonzalez, also in attendance mentioned how her campaign was run on an environmental platform. Her constituency is directly affected by Newtown Creek oil spill and other environmental issues. “We have an urgent need to move off of fossil fuels and onto renewable energy. … And we absolutely need the support of the federal government to counter the deep influence of the fossil fuel companies in Albany.”
The Greenline 