Brooklyn Environmental Champion Councilman Espinal Resigns

Climate Champion Espinal Resigns In a blow to citywide environmental efforts, Councilman Rafael L. Espinal, Jr., resigned from the New York City Council in late January 2020, stating that he is taking a job as the head of the Freelancers Union. Espinal’s resignation came as a surprise, it was reported, as his term was set to expire in December 2021. Espinal’s resignation will not take effect until March.

Councilman Espinal has been a leader in green initiatives at the New York City level. In May 2019, he co-sponsored the New York City Council resolution declaring a climate emergency and called for an immediate mobilization to restore a safe climate. Espinal also co-sponsored legislation to seek alternatives for plastic cutlery in city establishments, co-sponsored legislation to create a citywide plan for urban architecture, introduced legislation to expand green and solar roofs, and called on the MTA to use zero-emission vehicles. In 2018, he launched a citywide campaign to ban plastic straws in the city.

A special election for Espinal’s seat will be held in 80 days, the New York Daily news reported.