For more information on the GHG Reporting Program, visit dec.ny.gov/environmenta....

The State-driven program collects data from polluters, particularly those affecting disadvantaged communities and other sensitive populations, despite proposed rollbacks on the federal level.

Read more about RGGI and proposed updates to the initiative here, dec.ny.gov/news/press-r...

As New York and other states face rollbacks on the federal level when it comes to climate action, New York’s commitment along with other participating states is advancing energy affordability and reliability while reducing pollution.

RGGI has resulted in billions in investments and public health benefits for New Yorkers. The funds have also provided savings to ratepayers with net savings expected to reach nearly $12 billion.

🧊 Combine 3.5 cups of rock salt per gallon of hot tap water.
Stir until all salt is dissolved. Let any gravel settle to the bottom.
🧊 Pour the brine into a regular garden sprayer and spray in a zig-zag pattern over desired area.
🧊 Save extra brine to use later.

🧊 Know the temperature. Rock salt will not melt snow or ice below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
🧊 Salt brine isn't just for Thanksgiving turkeys! You can use a combination of rock salt and water and apply it to your driveway and walkways to keep it ice free.

How You Can Reduce Salt Spreading for a Healthy Environment:
🧊 Shovel what you can first. Removing snow and ice first helps reduce the amount of rock salt you’ll need.
🧊 Think twice before you start spreading rock salt. You only need 12 ounces to effectively melt snow and ice on a 20-foot driveway.

Although applying rock salt on roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks helps to ensure the safety of those traveling by vehicle or foot, overuse of salt can be costly for consumers, degrade infrastructure, contaminate runoff that enters streams and waterbodies, and impact drinking water.

Looking for some sustainable gift ideas? Check out the latest Air Mail!: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYS...

Be Air Aware. 📢 Check the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast: extapps.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps...

DEC experts are forecasting good air quality levels across New York State today, but temporary spikes in pollution not unusual with some winter weather patterns may occur over the weekend in the New York City Metro and other areas.

Note that it is still hunting season, and many public lands allow hunting. Make sure you wear bright colors like orange and red. Be sure to plan ahead and prepare for your day by checking a location’s specific rules or details before you go.

Although it might be easy to remember that toms have beards and spurs, it’s important not to completely rule out that hens can also have beards and spurs. Less than 10% of the female turkey population have a beard, and less than 1% have spurs.

📷: Dori Stathopoulos

Hens, on the other hand, are smaller, weighing up to 12 lbs. They have a rusty-brown body, a blue-gray head, and typically do not grow a beard or spurs.

📷: Susan Dornan

Toms are about 2.5 ft. tall and weigh up to 25 lbs. They have red, white, and blue skin on their heads during breeding season (springtime) and they grow a long beard of hair-like feathers on their chests, and spurs on their legs that can be from 0.5 inches - 1.5 inches long.

For more information, head to our website: on.ny.gov/adpostercont...