Colin Kinniburgh
@colinreports.bsky.social
Reporter covering climate and environment for New York Focus. Tips: [email protected], @colin.36 on Signal or DM for cell
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Hi! I’m a reporter covering climate, energy, and environmental issues for an independent, nonprofit newsroom in New York state.
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Do you have a tip you want to share securely? Message me on Signal @colin.36, through this link signal.me#eu/v7N4OOIPY... or DM for cell. Can keep tips anonymous.
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
February 13, 2026 at 11:33 AM
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
NEW: The Amawalk Reservoir, which provides drinking water to three northern Westchester County towns and New York City, has become the center of a battle over who pays for environmental cleanups in the state.
A Real Estate Battle Tests the State’s New Superfund Powers
New York environmental regulators have deemed a developer liable for an $18 million Westchester cleanup — but they haven’t yet made the company pay.
nysfocus.com
February 10, 2026 at 2:16 PM
NEW: The Amawalk Reservoir, which provides drinking water to three northern Westchester County towns and New York City, has become the center of a battle over who pays for environmental cleanups in the state.
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
Investigative journalism with a moral force is a public service that we take seriously, and we need a strong contract to do our jobs effectively. That’s why we are ready to strike! Our GoFundMe will help offset the cost of missed pay: www.gofundme.com/f/support-pr...
Donate to Support ProPublica Workers in Our Fight for a Fair Contract, organized by Eli Oberman
We are the unionized workers at ProPublica, and we’re ready to… Eli Oberman needs your support for Support ProPublica Workers in Our Fight for a Fair Contract
www.gofundme.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Investigative journalism with a moral force is a public service that we take seriously, and we need a strong contract to do our jobs effectively. That’s why we are ready to strike! Our GoFundMe will help offset the cost of missed pay: www.gofundme.com/f/support-pr...
👀 Bill alert: Data center moratorium 👀
S9144, from Liz Krueger and Anna Kelles, would block new data center construction for three years in NY while the state crafts rules for the industry.
Food & Water Watch appears to be leading the organizing, with broad support from enviro/progressive groups
S9144, from Liz Krueger and Anna Kelles, would block new data center construction for three years in NY while the state crafts rules for the industry.
Food & Water Watch appears to be leading the organizing, with broad support from enviro/progressive groups
NY State Senate Bill 2025-S9144
Imposes a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new data centers; requires the public service commission to issue an order or orders to minimize the impact of new data centers on electricity and g...
www.nysenate.gov
February 6, 2026 at 7:29 PM
👀 Bill alert: Data center moratorium 👀
S9144, from Liz Krueger and Anna Kelles, would block new data center construction for three years in NY while the state crafts rules for the industry.
Food & Water Watch appears to be leading the organizing, with broad support from enviro/progressive groups
S9144, from Liz Krueger and Anna Kelles, would block new data center construction for three years in NY while the state crafts rules for the industry.
Food & Water Watch appears to be leading the organizing, with broad support from enviro/progressive groups
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
NEW: Mayor Mamdani is set to endorse Gov. Hochul’s reelection run this week, providing her a critical inroad with progressive voters, per four sources.
It deals a near fatal blow to Antonio Delgado's campaign.
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
It deals a near fatal blow to Antonio Delgado's campaign.
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to endorse Gov. Kathy Hochul
The endorsement, expected this week, gives Hochul a critical inroad with left-leaning voters.
www.politico.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:58 PM
NEW: Mayor Mamdani is set to endorse Gov. Hochul’s reelection run this week, providing her a critical inroad with progressive voters, per four sources.
It deals a near fatal blow to Antonio Delgado's campaign.
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
It deals a near fatal blow to Antonio Delgado's campaign.
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
"State lawmakers want gas companies to give New Yorkers more notice when they’re planning to dig up a gas line — and a chance to consider cheaper or cleaner alternatives," reports @colinreports.bsky.social: nysfocus.com/2026/02/04/l... 🔌💡
New York Lawmakers Want to Put Pipeline Spending on the Map
New York utilities spend $1 billion a year replacing old gas pipes. New legislation would force them to reveal where that money is being spent.
nysfocus.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:21 PM
"State lawmakers want gas companies to give New Yorkers more notice when they’re planning to dig up a gas line — and a chance to consider cheaper or cleaner alternatives," reports @colinreports.bsky.social: nysfocus.com/2026/02/04/l... 🔌💡
This is worth a re-up following Mamdani’s comments today but does anyone have the numbers handy on how many NYC homes still rely on heating oil to stay warm?
Incredible photos on a fascinating, freezing journey through Newtown Creek
www.thecity.nyc/2026/01/30/n...
www.thecity.nyc/2026/01/30/n...
WATCH: This 85-Year-Old Tugboat Is Why You’re Not Freezing Right Now
THE CITY was aboard the Shoofly as it carved through the ice to let barges carrying essential heating fuel make their way up and down Newtown Creek.
www.thecity.nyc
February 4, 2026 at 7:40 PM
This is worth a re-up following Mamdani’s comments today but does anyone have the numbers handy on how many NYC homes still rely on heating oil to stay warm?
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
At a press conference this morning, Mayor Mamdani said that sea ice was preventing heating fuel from getting to the city by boat, which may contribute to the record number of heat complaints last week.
Many buildings like 155 Linden, which I profile herein, have old oil boilers
Many buildings like 155 Linden, which I profile herein, have old oil boilers
Last month set a record with 80,000 311 calls about no heat. 30k came just last week
As 16 new yorkers have died in the cold, thousands of tenants are wearing layers to sleep. Mamdani has pledged to fix a "broken" code inspections system
My @citylimitsnews.bsky.social story:https://buff.ly/0rt1XhC
As 16 new yorkers have died in the cold, thousands of tenants are wearing layers to sleep. Mamdani has pledged to fix a "broken" code inspections system
My @citylimitsnews.bsky.social story:https://buff.ly/0rt1XhC
February 4, 2026 at 6:36 PM
At a press conference this morning, Mayor Mamdani said that sea ice was preventing heating fuel from getting to the city by boat, which may contribute to the record number of heat complaints last week.
Many buildings like 155 Linden, which I profile herein, have old oil boilers
Many buildings like 155 Linden, which I profile herein, have old oil boilers
Inbox: The NYS Senate is voting today to once again pass a package of 10 utility reform bills, including one designed to rein in the companies’ return on equity (i.e. profit).
All of these bills passed the Senate last year too but died in the Assembly.
All of these bills passed the Senate last year too but died in the Assembly.
![[NYS Senate Dems press release]
The legislation being passed by the Senate Democratic Majority includes:
Prohibiting Ratepayer Funded Expense Recovery for Political Activities: This bill, S.1012A, sponsored by Senator Brouk, would prevent public utilities from recovering funds from ratepayers to support certain activities such as expenses incurred from lobbying public officials, donations to public charities, travel, entertainment and educational expenditures as well as public relations and advertising campaigns.
Enacting the Rate Hike Notice Act: This bill, S.5553C, sponsored by Senator Comrie, would enact the Rate Hike Notice Act, which directs the Public Service Commission to mandate electric and gas utilities to provide notice of a proposed rate hike to a customer via text, email, and to that customer’s monthly utility bill.
Utility Hikes Economic Impact: This bill, S.1847, sponsored by Senator Comrie, would require the Public Service Commission to consider the economic impact of utility rates and charges when evaluating utilities’ proposed rate changes.
Regulating Appointments to the Public Service Commission: This bill, S.7328A, sponsored by Senator Hinchey, would expand the number of Public Service Commission commissioners to eight; codify the Public Service Commission’s mission to ensure affordable, reliable, and safe access to utility services for New Yorkers; and prohibit any employee of a utility regulated by the Public Service Commission from serving as a commissioner for two years after their employment.
Evaluating Non-Economic Damages for Utilities: This bill, S.7165A, sponsored by Senator Hinchey, would authorize the Public Service Commission to consider non-economic damages suffered by customers when determining penalties for utilities, including penalties negotiated in](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:64drjustsrvsrcl2a2n2jnyf/bafkreidfg246pljoytrqr7kzjh4fdstdqendumpbssx267kdtoskqexc3m@jpeg)
February 4, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Inbox: The NYS Senate is voting today to once again pass a package of 10 utility reform bills, including one designed to rein in the companies’ return on equity (i.e. profit).
All of these bills passed the Senate last year too but died in the Assembly.
All of these bills passed the Senate last year too but died in the Assembly.
Details from the mayor’s office:
- $38.4 million
- 712 apartments at NYCHA’s Beach 41st Street Houses
- heat pumps “will replace an aging gas boiler system that has exceeded its useful life”
- $38.4 million
- 712 apartments at NYCHA’s Beach 41st Street Houses
- heat pumps “will replace an aging gas boiler system that has exceeded its useful life”
NYC @mayor.nyc.gov and officials announce expansion of electric heat pump program at NYCHA development in Far Rockaway.
The pilot program started at NYCHA’s Woodside Houses with promising results, as we reported.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/02/27/n...
The pilot program started at NYCHA’s Woodside Houses with promising results, as we reported.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/02/27/n...
Electric Heat Pumps Get Warm Reviews at Queens Public Housing Development
Woodside Houses residents say the eco-friendly alternatives to steam radiators have served them well through the winter.
www.thecity.nyc
February 4, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Details from the mayor’s office:
- $38.4 million
- 712 apartments at NYCHA’s Beach 41st Street Houses
- heat pumps “will replace an aging gas boiler system that has exceeded its useful life”
- $38.4 million
- 712 apartments at NYCHA’s Beach 41st Street Houses
- heat pumps “will replace an aging gas boiler system that has exceeded its useful life”
New York utilities spend upwards of $1 billion a year replacing old gas pipes. A new bill from Asm. Emily Gallagher and Sen. Kristen Gonzalez would force them to reveal where that money is going — and give residents more of a chance to consider alternatives
New York Lawmakers Want to Put Pipeline Spending on the Map
New York utilities spend $1 billion a year replacing old gas pipes. New legislation would force them to reveal where that money is being spent.
nysfocus.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:28 PM
New York utilities spend upwards of $1 billion a year replacing old gas pipes. A new bill from Asm. Emily Gallagher and Sen. Kristen Gonzalez would force them to reveal where that money is going — and give residents more of a chance to consider alternatives
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
NYC @mayor.nyc.gov and officials announce expansion of electric heat pump program at NYCHA development in Far Rockaway.
The pilot program started at NYCHA’s Woodside Houses with promising results, as we reported.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/02/27/n...
The pilot program started at NYCHA’s Woodside Houses with promising results, as we reported.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/02/27/n...
Electric Heat Pumps Get Warm Reviews at Queens Public Housing Development
Woodside Houses residents say the eco-friendly alternatives to steam radiators have served them well through the winter.
www.thecity.nyc
February 4, 2026 at 4:18 PM
NYC @mayor.nyc.gov and officials announce expansion of electric heat pump program at NYCHA development in Far Rockaway.
The pilot program started at NYCHA’s Woodside Houses with promising results, as we reported.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/02/27/n...
The pilot program started at NYCHA’s Woodside Houses with promising results, as we reported.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/02/27/n...
“New York’s buried powerlines were good news during last week’s massive storm… But the 116 million pounds of salt that the city’s sanitation department said it has dumped [since] is taking its toll on the lines.”
24+ hours without power in this weather is… not great gothamist.com/news/con-ed-...
24+ hours without power in this weather is… not great gothamist.com/news/con-ed-...
Con Ed blames salt spread after thousands lose power in Brooklyn
Con Ed’s repair times are taking longer because of snow, ice and parked cars preventing access to key infrastructure.
gothamist.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:41 PM
“New York’s buried powerlines were good news during last week’s massive storm… But the 116 million pounds of salt that the city’s sanitation department said it has dumped [since] is taking its toll on the lines.”
24+ hours without power in this weather is… not great gothamist.com/news/con-ed-...
24+ hours without power in this weather is… not great gothamist.com/news/con-ed-...
Judge says Sunrise Wind can resume construction, ”ending Trump’s offshore wind ban — for now.” via @canarymedia.com: www.canarymedia.com/articles/off...
Sunrise Wind can proceed, ending Trump’s offshore wind ban — for now
A judge cleared New York’s Sunrise Wind to resume construction, completing a string of court victories for wind developers after Trump’s December…
www.canarymedia.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:38 PM
Judge says Sunrise Wind can resume construction, ”ending Trump’s offshore wind ban — for now.” via @canarymedia.com: www.canarymedia.com/articles/off...
Hochul, speaking to @danclarkreports.bsky.social just now, makes clear that she wants to change NY’s emissions accounting standards and maybe revisit other CLCPA deadlines.
“We’re held to a very different standard… we’re always gonna look like we’re coming up short despite our best efforts”
“We’re held to a very different standard… we’re always gonna look like we’re coming up short despite our best efforts”
February 2, 2026 at 8:35 PM
Hochul, speaking to @danclarkreports.bsky.social just now, makes clear that she wants to change NY’s emissions accounting standards and maybe revisit other CLCPA deadlines.
“We’re held to a very different standard… we’re always gonna look like we’re coming up short despite our best efforts”
“We’re held to a very different standard… we’re always gonna look like we’re coming up short despite our best efforts”
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
University of Illinois college republicans advocate for executing protesters as “traitors” with art that takes a disturbing killing and makes it even more extreme.
dailyillini.com/news-stories...
dailyillini.com/news-stories...
‘Fell the enemies:’ Illini Republicans support ICE amid killings - The Daily Illini
In a post that included a graphic of a presumed officer holding a gun to someone's head, Illini Republicans stated that they “stand with ICE."
dailyillini.com
February 2, 2026 at 4:40 AM
University of Illinois college republicans advocate for executing protesters as “traitors” with art that takes a disturbing killing and makes it even more extreme.
dailyillini.com/news-stories...
dailyillini.com/news-stories...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
Governor Hochul unveiled a proposal to bar local police from signing contracts with ICE.
But many localities collaborate with ICE without contracts, and Hochul’s proposal wouldn’t change that.
Here’s what you need to know: nysfocus.com/2026/01/31/hochul-sanctuary-ice-immigration-287g-jail-bill
But many localities collaborate with ICE without contracts, and Hochul’s proposal wouldn’t change that.
Here’s what you need to know: nysfocus.com/2026/01/31/hochul-sanctuary-ice-immigration-287g-jail-bill
January 31, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Governor Hochul unveiled a proposal to bar local police from signing contracts with ICE.
But many localities collaborate with ICE without contracts, and Hochul’s proposal wouldn’t change that.
Here’s what you need to know: nysfocus.com/2026/01/31/hochul-sanctuary-ice-immigration-287g-jail-bill
But many localities collaborate with ICE without contracts, and Hochul’s proposal wouldn’t change that.
Here’s what you need to know: nysfocus.com/2026/01/31/hochul-sanctuary-ice-immigration-287g-jail-bill
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
the deal with this:
methane is an insanely potent greenhouse gas that decays over time
NYS counts it over 20 years
most of the world counts it over 100 years
no shit, it’s easier to hit climate targets in a gas-heavy state if you give yourself a 100-year ramp
methane is an insanely potent greenhouse gas that decays over time
NYS counts it over 20 years
most of the world counts it over 100 years
no shit, it’s easier to hit climate targets in a gas-heavy state if you give yourself a 100-year ramp
January 30, 2026 at 7:39 PM
the deal with this:
methane is an insanely potent greenhouse gas that decays over time
NYS counts it over 20 years
most of the world counts it over 100 years
no shit, it’s easier to hit climate targets in a gas-heavy state if you give yourself a 100-year ramp
methane is an insanely potent greenhouse gas that decays over time
NYS counts it over 20 years
most of the world counts it over 100 years
no shit, it’s easier to hit climate targets in a gas-heavy state if you give yourself a 100-year ramp
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
NEW: State officials have voiced renewed interest in changing how New York counts its greenhouse gas emissions.
nysfocus.com/2026/01/30/n...
nysfocus.com/2026/01/30/n...
Hochul Could Try to Change New York's Emissions Math Again. Here's…
State officials have voiced renewed interest in changing how New York counts its greenhouse gas emissions.
nysfocus.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:03 PM
NEW: State officials have voiced renewed interest in changing how New York counts its greenhouse gas emissions.
nysfocus.com/2026/01/30/n...
nysfocus.com/2026/01/30/n...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
BIG SCOOP @heatmap.news: The Trump administration is now going after renewable energy projects on both public and private lands by indefinitely delaying water permits … on grounds that the projects might have bad “aesthetics”
Yes, they’re hurting renewable energy projects by calling them ugly
Yes, they’re hurting renewable energy projects by calling them ugly
The Trump Administration Is Now Delaying Renewable Projects It Thinks Are Ugly
The Army Corps of Engineers is out to protect “the beauty of the Nation’s natural landscape.”
heatmap.news
January 29, 2026 at 6:11 PM
BIG SCOOP @heatmap.news: The Trump administration is now going after renewable energy projects on both public and private lands by indefinitely delaying water permits … on grounds that the projects might have bad “aesthetics”
Yes, they’re hurting renewable energy projects by calling them ugly
Yes, they’re hurting renewable energy projects by calling them ugly
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
I cannot tell you how much doubt was consistently directed at the Gaza Health Ministry’s casualty numbers and how much pressure was put on news organizations to couch those numbers as unreliable.
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
IDF accepts Gaza Health Ministry death toll of over 71,000 Palestinians killed in the war
Although Many International Experts Have Accepted the Health Ministry's Data as Reliable, and Even Conservative Relative to the True Death Toll, Israel Had Refused to Accept the Health Ministry's Coun...
www.haaretz.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:31 PM
I cannot tell you how much doubt was consistently directed at the Gaza Health Ministry’s casualty numbers and how much pressure was put on news organizations to couch those numbers as unreliable.
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
Video shows ICE leaving behind an infant and broken glass after arresting a man with no criminal history.
“There was a car seat in the back... There were broken glass shards all over it... There was just this tiny peanut of a baby. He was crying.”
My latest: www.pressherald.com/2026/01/28/i...
“There was a car seat in the back... There were broken glass shards all over it... There was just this tiny peanut of a baby. He was crying.”
My latest: www.pressherald.com/2026/01/28/i...
ICE agents shatter window, leave 1-month-old baby, mother in car after Portland arrest
Video shows federal immigration agents leaving behind an infant and broken glass after detaining a Guinean immigrant with no known criminal history.
www.pressherald.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:05 PM
Video shows ICE leaving behind an infant and broken glass after arresting a man with no criminal history.
“There was a car seat in the back... There were broken glass shards all over it... There was just this tiny peanut of a baby. He was crying.”
My latest: www.pressherald.com/2026/01/28/i...
“There was a car seat in the back... There were broken glass shards all over it... There was just this tiny peanut of a baby. He was crying.”
My latest: www.pressherald.com/2026/01/28/i...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
Q: Can you be specific about how many ICE and CBP agents are currently operating in the state?
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
January 29, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Q: Can you be specific about how many ICE and CBP agents are currently operating in the state?
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
China has essentially built the entire US grid in the past 4 years, much of it solar and wind
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
January 28, 2026 at 5:55 PM
China has essentially built the entire US grid in the past 4 years, much of it solar and wind
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
I’m in Albany today for the annual budget hearing on energy, environment, and climate issues. It’s gonna be a long day… Will post some highlights here.
January 28, 2026 at 2:39 PM
I’m in Albany today for the annual budget hearing on energy, environment, and climate issues. It’s gonna be a long day… Will post some highlights here.