Mariana Simoes

Rio de Janeiro, United States

Climate and Environment Reporter at City Limits

Articles

Primary Voter Guide: The Mayoral Candidates’ Plans on Climate & Environment

2 weeks ago | citylimits.org | Mariana Simoes

As early voting kicks off on June 14 for New York City’s primary race, here’s a guide to the Democratic candidates’ stances on climate and environmental issues. Two important topics—climate and the environment—were left out of the first mayoral democratic debate earlier this month. Housing, affordability and standing up to President Trump’s federal overreach in New York dominated the conversation instead.
Public Hearing Calls for the Roll Out of a Statewide Cap-and-Invest Program

2 weeks ago | citylimits.org | Mariana Simoes

Advocates say the hearings are an opportunity to pressure Gov. Hochul to finally implement the Cap-and-Invest program, which would require corporations that pollute above certain limits pay for their carbon emissions. New York’s Department Of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will host a public hearing in Long Island City on Thursday to discuss the implementation of a long-awaited statewide Cap-and-Invest program.
Harlem River Status Change Could Stall Cleanup Efforts, Environmentalists Warn

3 weeks ago | citylimits.org | Mariana Simoes

The state proposes giving the Harlem River a new classification that would exempt the city from meeting bacterial water quality standards when it rains—and environmental groups are not happy about it. The Bronx’s environmental community is standing strong against a state proposal to assign the Harlem River a new water quality classification that would exempt the city from meeting clean-water safety standards during rain events.
NYC Expands Free Compost Give-Away Sites. Here's Where to Get Yours This Summer

1 month ago | citylimits.org | Mariana Simoes

Find out where to get free composting this summer for your yard, garden or neighborhood tree pits—made from decomposed food scraps and yard waste. The Big Apple has added a new location to its roster of sites that give away free compost to New Yorkers. Made of decomposed food scraps and yard waste, this nutrient-rich material can be added to soil to help plants thrive all summer long. Every Saturday until Sept.
Trump Lifts Pause on NY Offshore Wind Project, But Does it Come at a Price?

1 month ago | citylimits.org | Mariana Simoes

While politicians, environmental groups and union leaders rejoiced that Empire Wind can move forward, some worry the Trump administration’s concession is meant to pressure Gov. Hochul to approve local gas pipeline projects. The U.S Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) lifted a month-long stop work order Monday on the New York-based offshore wind project, Empire Wind 1.
As EPA's Environmental Justice Employees Lose Their Jobs, New York Community Groups Pay the Price

1 month ago | citylimits.org | Mariana Simoes

The federal agency’s environmental justice office played a crucial role in helping New Yorkers reverse environmental burdens in their neighborhoods, according to EPA employees and community groups who spoke with City Limits. When Earth Day rolled around on April 22, employees who care for mother nature at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) didn’t have much to celebrate.
‘The Bottle Bill Is Just the Beginning’: How Canners Can Make a Cleaner, Better City

2 months ago | citylimits.org | Mariana Simoes

Rixaru X, who has worked collecting cans and bottles off city streets for the last six years, spoke to City Limits about the challenges New York City canners face and how the Bigger Better Bottle bill would improve their lives—and the city’s livability. When a New Yorker tosses a bottle or can onto the city’s streets, a hidden workforce of , known as canners, is there to pick it up.
As Other Climate Legislation Stalls, Bill to Update State’s Solar Tax Credit Moves Forward

Mar 26, 2025 | citylimits.org | Mariana Simoes

Legislation to change an outdated solar tax credit law has widespread support, and could make it into this year’s state budget, advocates say. While most of the legislation aimed at advancing New York’s fight against climate change has been sidelined in this year’s state budget talks, a bill to make solar power more accessible by updating a nearly 20-year old tax credit law is seeing widespread support.
EPA Cuts Would Strike a Blow to New York, Former Agency Administrator Says

Mar 20, 2025 | citylimits.org | Mariana Simoes

Lisa Garcia, a former regional administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency, spoke to City Limits about how plans for a new wave of federal cuts could trickle down to New York. When word spread this week that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to eliminate its scientific research arm, EPA former Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia knew New York would feel the blow.
The Fight to End Plastic Turf Zeros in on NYC Parks

Mar 18, 2025 | citylimits.org | Mariana Simoes

A bill recently introduced in City Council would prohibit the Parks Department from installing new swaths of artificial grass, citing the environmental and health impacts. When Steven Giles’ wife, Pat Arnow, began to oppose the use of plastic grass in their community through the advocacy group she co-founded, East River Park Action, he immediately supported the cause.