A toxic legacy and a chance for renewal

The former Vacuum Oil site on the western bank of the Genesee River has been a toxic burden on the PLEX neighborhood for nearly a century. A legal breakthrough with ExxonMobil means cleanup work is finally underway, but will redevelopment align with the community’s priorities?

A climate agenda under strain

Delayed rules, limited electric capacity, and wavering priorities have put New York’s Climate Act at a critical juncture. Without clearer direction, the state risks losing ground on both economic development and climate progress.