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
Pinned
Signal Messenger Contact
Follow this link to message on Signal.
signal.me
Hi! I’m a reporter covering climate, energy, and environmental issues for an independent, nonprofit newsroom in New York state.
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.
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
NEW: After Hochul’s administration agreed, a federal judge approved a deal last week that will likely suspend New York’s all-electric building law for at least a year.
Just last month, the state argued that delaying the gas ban would cause “irreparable harm."
Just last month, the state argued that delaying the gas ban would cause “irreparable harm."
Why Did Hochul Back Down on New York's Gas Ban?
Just last month, the state argued in court that it couldn’t halt the all-electric buildings law even if it wanted to. Then it abruptly changed course.
nysfocus.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:57 PM
NEW: After Hochul’s administration agreed, a federal judge approved a deal last week that will likely suspend New York’s all-electric building law for at least a year.
Just last month, the state argued that delaying the gas ban would cause “irreparable harm."
Just last month, the state argued that delaying the gas ban would cause “irreparable harm."
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
Rep. Salazar on Venezuela: "We're about to go in ... we need to go in ... Venezuela for the American oil companies will be a field day"
November 24, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Rep. Salazar on Venezuela: "We're about to go in ... we need to go in ... Venezuela for the American oil companies will be a field day"
At least 15 people have been taken into federal immigration custody this year after Cheektowaga police called Border Patrol, according to documents obtained by @nysfocus.bsky.social. Five of the arrests started with a call to police by Macy’s security guards.
How a Brush With Mall Security Can Lead to Arrest by Border Patrol
In at least one case, police may have violated a state court ruling prohibiting local law enforcement from conducting civil immigration enforcement.
nysfocus.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:28 PM
At least 15 people have been taken into federal immigration custody this year after Cheektowaga police called Border Patrol, according to documents obtained by @nysfocus.bsky.social. Five of the arrests started with a call to police by Macy’s security guards.
⚠️ Brad Lander urges NYC pension funds to pull $42 billion from Blackrock over climate risk concerns.
This could be one of Lander’s last big moves as comptroller, and comes after lots of pressure from climate groups, especially New York Communities for Change. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
This could be one of Lander’s last big moves as comptroller, and comes after lots of pressure from climate groups, especially New York Communities for Change. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
NYC’s Lander Recommends Dropping $42 Billion BlackRock Mandate
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is urging three of the city’s pension funds to drop BlackRock Inc. because of “inadequate” climate plans, the latest move to penalize investment firms for failing...
www.bloomberg.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
⚠️ Brad Lander urges NYC pension funds to pull $42 billion from Blackrock over climate risk concerns.
This could be one of Lander’s last big moves as comptroller, and comes after lots of pressure from climate groups, especially New York Communities for Change. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
This could be one of Lander’s last big moves as comptroller, and comes after lots of pressure from climate groups, especially New York Communities for Change. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
It’s official: The Hochul administration has appealed the court ruling against it on cap & invest, arguing that it would be impossible to issue climate law regulations by the judge’s February deadline. iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/Docum...
![B. Promulgation of Regulations by the Court’s Deadline is
Impossible
It is impossible for the Department to comply with the Court’s deadline
because it cannot promulgate compliant regulations––a mammoth task that,
as noted, entails regulating emissions across large swaths of New York’s
economy––by February 6, 2026. First, “promulgate” generally means
publication of a final rule. Although SAPA uses the term “adopt” for the
completion of the rulemaking process, it also provides for judicial review once
a rule is finalized and states that rules shall be “promulgated in substantial
compliance” with SAPA’s procedures but that failure to properly notify a
person does not “invalidate any rule promulgated hereunder” (SAPA § 202[8]).
Thus, SAPA contemplates that a rule is “promulgated” only if the full
procedures laid out in SAPA §§ 202-203 have been followed.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:64drjustsrvsrcl2a2n2jnyf/bafkreigbu2tmb7bvd3iaxmsqr6ggegncr5ywfu7bdcucym623rtvogdsoq@jpeg)
![C. Publication of Proposed Rulemaking by the Court’s Deadline is
Impossible
Even if the Court only intended to order the Department to publish
proposed, rather than final, regulations by February 6, 2026, compliance would
still be impossible. As explained in the accompanying affirmations, the
Department cannot, in good faith, propose regulations without foundational
modeling and updated assessments of economic pressures in light of the
current federal and State regulatory landscape (Michael Sheehan affirmation
[Sheehan aff] at ¶ X; Vladimir Gutman-Britten affirmation [Gutman-Britten
aff] at ¶¶ 3-6). The Department relies on data analysis and modeling conducted
by the Authority, which will take, at minimum, four months to complete
(Gutman-Britten aff at ¶ 4). Notably, the Authority must update its models to
reflect the forecasts and conclusions in the recently released draft State Energy
Plan (id. at ¶ 6). These include anticipated delays in clean energy rollouts,
changes in State populations, and other factors that are significantly different
from the assumptions upon which the scoping plan was based (id.). Four
months is the minimum time it will take to simply create the models, but that](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:64drjustsrvsrcl2a2n2jnyf/bafkreidaoztkarn5kpbdgd5xv5vmzxnstzh2fypehwjvtiz4mxqeospapm@jpeg)
November 26, 2025 at 1:29 PM
It’s official: The Hochul administration has appealed the court ruling against it on cap & invest, arguing that it would be impossible to issue climate law regulations by the judge’s February deadline. iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/Docum...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
New York Focus is seeking a full-time politics reporter to help lead our coverage of New York state politics in a pivotal moment.
You’ll have your work cut out for you in 2026.
nysfocus.com/hiring
You’ll have your work cut out for you in 2026.
nysfocus.com/hiring
Careers
New York's only statewide newsroom dedicated to holding Albany accountable.
nysfocus.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:29 PM
New York Focus is seeking a full-time politics reporter to help lead our coverage of New York state politics in a pivotal moment.
You’ll have your work cut out for you in 2026.
nysfocus.com/hiring
You’ll have your work cut out for you in 2026.
nysfocus.com/hiring
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
The construction industry in Europe is using a lot of these now, quiet, no air pollution, cheaper to operate, etc
November 25, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The construction industry in Europe is using a lot of these now, quiet, no air pollution, cheaper to operate, etc
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
I want more info about this beast, but even without much info I'm confident that this sort of rolling battery is going to become ubiquitous in many places and serve many purposes.
Inbox: NYPA and Cornell are showing off this mobile battery unit, which could provide an alternative to diesel generators.
Looks a lot bigger than your standard generator but it also packs a lot of energy — enough to power a stadium concert, or an average NY home for about a week
Looks a lot bigger than your standard generator but it also packs a lot of energy — enough to power a stadium concert, or an average NY home for about a week
November 25, 2025 at 4:17 PM
I want more info about this beast, but even without much info I'm confident that this sort of rolling battery is going to become ubiquitous in many places and serve many purposes.
Inbox: NYPA and Cornell are showing off this mobile battery unit, which could provide an alternative to diesel generators.
Looks a lot bigger than your standard generator but it also packs a lot of energy — enough to power a stadium concert, or an average NY home for about a week
Looks a lot bigger than your standard generator but it also packs a lot of energy — enough to power a stadium concert, or an average NY home for about a week
November 25, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Inbox: NYPA and Cornell are showing off this mobile battery unit, which could provide an alternative to diesel generators.
Looks a lot bigger than your standard generator but it also packs a lot of energy — enough to power a stadium concert, or an average NY home for about a week
Looks a lot bigger than your standard generator but it also packs a lot of energy — enough to power a stadium concert, or an average NY home for about a week
I’ll be on Radio Catskill’s The Local Edition around 6 pm this evening talking about the delays to HEAP. Tune in: wjffradio.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:29 PM
I’ll be on Radio Catskill’s The Local Edition around 6 pm this evening talking about the delays to HEAP. Tune in: wjffradio.org
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
Update: The federal government promised to release $3.7 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program by the end of November.
If New York receives its share of the funds by then, it will open program applications next week.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/15/t...
If New York receives its share of the funds by then, it will open program applications next week.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/15/t...
Heating Assistance Still on Hold as Federal Government Reopens
Federal HEAP funding will not reach New Yorkers until at least November 24, state officials say.
nysfocus.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Update: The federal government promised to release $3.7 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program by the end of November.
If New York receives its share of the funds by then, it will open program applications next week.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/15/t...
If New York receives its share of the funds by then, it will open program applications next week.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/15/t...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
How is local law enforcement in New York working with ICE?
We're able to investigate stories like these thanks to reader support. From now until the end of the year, your donation will be tripled. Donate today: nysfoc.us/donate
We're able to investigate stories like these thanks to reader support. From now until the end of the year, your donation will be tripled. Donate today: nysfoc.us/donate
November 24, 2025 at 3:36 PM
How is local law enforcement in New York working with ICE?
We're able to investigate stories like these thanks to reader support. From now until the end of the year, your donation will be tripled. Donate today: nysfoc.us/donate
We're able to investigate stories like these thanks to reader support. From now until the end of the year, your donation will be tripled. Donate today: nysfoc.us/donate
LIHEAP update! Feds promise to send states $3.7 billion by the end of this week, matching last year’s funding levels. If that comes through, NY promises to open applications next week.
So no HEAP for Thanksgiving, but relief is in sight. nysfocus.com/2025/11/15/t...
So no HEAP for Thanksgiving, but relief is in sight. nysfocus.com/2025/11/15/t...
Heating Assistance Still on Hold as Federal Government Reopens
Federal HEAP funding will not reach New Yorkers until at least November 24, state officials say.
nysfocus.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:44 PM
LIHEAP update! Feds promise to send states $3.7 billion by the end of this week, matching last year’s funding levels. If that comes through, NY promises to open applications next week.
So no HEAP for Thanksgiving, but relief is in sight. nysfocus.com/2025/11/15/t...
So no HEAP for Thanksgiving, but relief is in sight. nysfocus.com/2025/11/15/t...
One of the most shocking environmental investigations I’ve read in a long time. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
November 23, 2025 at 11:10 PM
One of the most shocking environmental investigations I’ve read in a long time. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
New Yorkers unite against Con Edison; stock falls
Power exchange
www.ft.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
NEW: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to resume reviewing protection requests from young immigrants who suffered abuse or neglect, finding it violated federal law when it abruptly stopped doing so earlier this year.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/20/t...
nysfocus.com/2025/11/20/t...
Judge Says Feds Illegally Ended Protections for Abused Immigrant Youth
The ruling allows young immigrants who have suffered abuse and neglect to apply for protections from deportation — at least for now.
nysfocus.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:31 PM
NEW: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to resume reviewing protection requests from young immigrants who suffered abuse or neglect, finding it violated federal law when it abruptly stopped doing so earlier this year.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/20/t...
nysfocus.com/2025/11/20/t...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
November 20, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
A rly interesting case study, as pols prepare to fight over a similar policy for NYC's much bigger bus network. By @carabuckley.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/c...
Iowa City Made Its Buses Free. Traffic Cleared, and So Did the Air.
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:23 PM
A rly interesting case study, as pols prepare to fight over a similar policy for NYC's much bigger bus network. By @carabuckley.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/c...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
A literal fire has erupted in the middle of the United Nations conference devoted to stopping the planet from burning.
heatmap.news/sparks/cop30...
heatmap.news/sparks/cop30...
COP30 Is on Fire
Flames have erupted in the “Blue Zone” at the United Nations Climate Conference in Brazil.
heatmap.news
November 20, 2025 at 6:27 PM
A literal fire has erupted in the middle of the United Nations conference devoted to stopping the planet from burning.
heatmap.news/sparks/cop30...
heatmap.news/sparks/cop30...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
NEW: City Councilmember Susan Zhuang is a conservative Democrat. She's also an immigrant rights advocate.
New York Focus talked to her about ICE, Trump, Mamdani, and why immigrants are often left out of politics.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/19/s...
New York Focus talked to her about ICE, Trump, Mamdani, and why immigrants are often left out of politics.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/19/s...
Crossing Coalitions on the New York City Council
The conservative Democrat is sounding more like progressive colleagues as she tries to protect immigrant constituents from the Trump administration.
nysfocus.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:18 PM
NEW: City Councilmember Susan Zhuang is a conservative Democrat. She's also an immigrant rights advocate.
New York Focus talked to her about ICE, Trump, Mamdani, and why immigrants are often left out of politics.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/19/s...
New York Focus talked to her about ICE, Trump, Mamdani, and why immigrants are often left out of politics.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/19/s...
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
NEW: Few American cities are more vulnerable to sea level rise than New York City.
The coastal community of Edgemere, Queens was among the hardest-hit during Superstorm Sandy. A decade later, residents still wait for promised flood protections.
w/@floodlightnews.org + @theguardian.com
The coastal community of Edgemere, Queens was among the hardest-hit during Superstorm Sandy. A decade later, residents still wait for promised flood protections.
w/@floodlightnews.org + @theguardian.com
‘We Are Forgotten Here’: As NYC Builds Seawalls, This Queens…
A decade after city officials promised to protect Edgemere against floods, residents say the neighborhood remains just as vulnerable.
nysfocus.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:59 PM
NEW: Few American cities are more vulnerable to sea level rise than New York City.
The coastal community of Edgemere, Queens was among the hardest-hit during Superstorm Sandy. A decade later, residents still wait for promised flood protections.
w/@floodlightnews.org + @theguardian.com
The coastal community of Edgemere, Queens was among the hardest-hit during Superstorm Sandy. A decade later, residents still wait for promised flood protections.
w/@floodlightnews.org + @theguardian.com
⚠️ Breaking: Enviro groups sue NY and NJ over NESE pipeline approvals, in three parallel suits before the US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit.
They cite regulators’ previous, repeated decisions rejecting the pipeline.
They cite regulators’ previous, repeated decisions rejecting the pipeline.
November 18, 2025 at 5:11 PM
⚠️ Breaking: Enviro groups sue NY and NJ over NESE pipeline approvals, in three parallel suits before the US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit.
They cite regulators’ previous, repeated decisions rejecting the pipeline.
They cite regulators’ previous, repeated decisions rejecting the pipeline.
Reposted by Colin Kinniburgh
Hi, I'm the friend. It's true - my power has been cut twice this year. Once in May and a second time last week, for non-payment. I pay what I can when I can, but more often than not, the bill is well into the hundreds of dollars each month, while I make about 38k a year.
November 18, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Hi, I'm the friend. It's true - my power has been cut twice this year. Once in May and a second time last week, for non-payment. I pay what I can when I can, but more often than not, the bill is well into the hundreds of dollars each month, while I make about 38k a year.
@littlestormcloud.bsky.social If your friend is open to talking, feel free to pass on my contact info. Email: [email protected] or DM for cell/signal!
November 17, 2025 at 8:42 PM
@littlestormcloud.bsky.social If your friend is open to talking, feel free to pass on my contact info. Email: [email protected] or DM for cell/signal!
The federal government is open again, but states are still waiting for the Trump administration to send out heating assistance funds.
Here’s what that means for New York, which gets more LIHEAP funding than any other state (by far) and has already seen utility shutoffs spike this year. 🧵
Here’s what that means for New York, which gets more LIHEAP funding than any other state (by far) and has already seen utility shutoffs spike this year. 🧵
Heating Assistance Still on Hold as Federal Government Reopens
Federal HEAP funding will not reach New Yorkers until at least November 24, state officials say.
nysfocus.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:15 PM
The federal government is open again, but states are still waiting for the Trump administration to send out heating assistance funds.
Here’s what that means for New York, which gets more LIHEAP funding than any other state (by far) and has already seen utility shutoffs spike this year. 🧵
Here’s what that means for New York, which gets more LIHEAP funding than any other state (by far) and has already seen utility shutoffs spike this year. 🧵