More fresh air

Both the NYS Environmental Bond Act and new federal legislation (the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act) have put several billion dollars toward that goal. Two local school districts have already reaped benefits: Chatham has received nearly $2 million for five electric buses and Taconic Hills nearly $4 million for 10. Besides obtaining free buses, those districts will save thousands of dollars annually on fuel costs, money they can put into classroom equipment or other areas. And those of us who wait behind buses while they pick up or discharge passengers won’t have to worry about fumes.

But while vehicles account for much of our carbon pollution, the next biggest chunk comes from the fuel used in buildings, including our own homes, for heat, hot water and cooking. I hope our town councils, health facilities and local agencies will follow the school districts’ example and tap into the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds to weatherize and electrify any new and existing buildings.

As a “carrot” rather than a “stick” program, the IRA aims to move all of us away from fossil fuels by providing discounts or rebates for renters as well as homeowners. (A useful resource is the online IRA Savings Calculator produced by the nonprofit Rewiring America.) As someone who cares equally about the environment and human welfare, I hope many people in Columbia and Greene counties will make use of these funds.

Karen Frishkoff

Harlemville