Stream/Riparian Buffer restoration with plantings along Fishkill Creek banks and other streams. 

Riparian buffers are strips of vegetation (trees, shrubs or grass) planted next to streams or other waterbodies. By planting vegetation along streams, space is created between the water and upland land uses, which helps protect the water quality and stream habitat. Healthy buffer benefits include streambank stabilization, erosion and sediment control, filtration of nutrients and other pollutants, reduced impact from floods, habitat and food for wildlife and pollinators, and shade for streams.

Residential Rain Barrels: Reduce Your Water Bill, Combat Climate Change, Help Beacon’s Water Supply 

Rain barrels conserve water, ease demand on Beacon’s water system and reduce your water bill. Last summer’s drought forced Beacon to restrict water use. With climate change, droughts will be more common. Rain barrels capture water from roofs so you can water for free lawns, gardens or wash cars. Vote for Beacon to offer rain barrels "at-cost" to residents which no cost to the city. 

Oppose dumping of radioactive wastewater from Indian Point into the Hudson River.

Holtec Industries is planning to discharge millions of gallons of radioactive wastewater into the Hudson River from Indian Point in August or earlier. Tritium, one of the radioactive elements to be discharged, poses a severe danger to human health and the environment and cannot be filtered out of water. Pregnant people and children are at high risk for adverse effects as are fish and wildlife. A City resolution would also support two bills in the NYS legislature: S5181/A5338 banning this action on the State level.

Questions about this idea can be directed through Paloma Wake at pwake@beaconny.gov

Info sessions for homeowners on accessing programs to transition off fossil fuels affordably.

One of the largest contributors to climate change is emissions from buildings. We have passed a bill that prevents gas hookups in new construction but what about the challenge of energy sources in our existing homes and buildings? There are programs now that provide affordability to homeowners to make important retrofits to their homes through the IRA and through NYSERDA's EmPower and NYS Clean Heat program. We just need to get the information out to our community.

Create an incentive program for residents to plant and maintain pollinator pathways

Replacing grass lawns with native plant meadows helps create habitats for local pollinators while cutting back on our use of outdoor watering, gas-powered mowers, and pesticides. To incentivize residents to participate in creating pollinator pathways, Beacon can work with local businesses to offer free bulbs, plants, and gardening supplies to help participants get started, plus perks like discounts at local events, restaurants, and coffee shops. This can be a fun family and community project.

Expand and Modify the Free Loop Shuttle Bus

The free loop should have increased range and frequency. If we could all count on the bus to sync up with trains reliably, ridership would increase dramatically, thus reducing overall emissions. In addition, if the bus was a smaller-capacity vehicle, it would get much better gas mileage, especially per rider mile. Ideally, this vehicle would be electric, when feasible. The Main Street Access Committee supports these recommendations, and the US DoT has many statistics on the benefits of buses.

Commit to a timeline for a Citywide Bike Plan that includes immediate pilot bike lanes & boulevards

A key part of addressing Beacon's Climate Goals includes improving transportation options outside of personal vehicles. Half of all trips taken in the U.S. are less than 3 miles and choosing to replace driving a car with riding a bike just once per day can reduce personal transportation-related carbon emissions by 67% (via PeopleforBikes.org). However, to make these rides safe for cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians alike, the City needs to implement bike lanes and boulevards.