ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — Bold goals and big plans in Ithaca – the Green New Deal. 

Doctor Luis Aguirre-Torres is overseeing the project, which he says encompasses two main topics. 

De-carbonization of Ithaca is a first step toward a green city. 

Doctor Aguirre-Torres, who serves as the city’s Director of Sustainability, says the city’s social justice initiative should be all-inclusive. 

Ithaca’s Green New Deal was adopted by the Common Council in 2019. Also on the city’s environmental front is a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Doctor Aguirre-Torres tells WHCU it’s already begun, even if you haven’t noticed any changes. 

He adds the city also needs to make commitments. 

Doctor Aguirre-Torres says that although Ithaca faces tough economic challenges coming out of the pandemic, there’s still support for these goals. 

FULL INTERVIEW: Dr. Luis Aguirre-Torres on Ithaca’s Morning News