Diana Kastenbaum is committed to a clean energy future for New York’s 24th District, advocating for solar, wind, and geothermal power as key solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. She firmly opposes fracking and supports policies that phase out harmful extraction practices. At the same time, Diana believes environmental progress must be balanced with protecting the region’s rich agricultural heritage. She supports the strategic placement of solar farms and opposes corporate interests buying or leasing prime farmland for large-scale solar development. Diana favors expanding solar infrastructure—such as rooftop panels and installations on non-agricultural land—but insists that our rich farmland is vital for food production and should be preserved. Her approach ensures that clean energy and rural sustainability go hand in hand, safeguarding both our environment and our economy.
Diana believes that our gorgeous Finger Lakes and the Great Lakes need protecting, along with our rivers and watersheds that are vital to the health and economy of our region. She is especially concerned about the growing threat of toxic algae blooms, which endanger aquatic life, threaten drinking water, and harm tourism and recreation. Diana believes that strong federal and state action is needed to address agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and climate-driven warming that contribute to these plumes. She supports increased funding for watershed protection programs, pollution controls that have been reversed by the current administration, and collaborative efforts with farmers, scientists, and local governments to restore water quality. For Diana, clean water is not negotiable—it’s a public trust.
As a mother, she sees it as a deeply personal and existential issue. Diana’s environmental vision is rooted in her desire to leave a cleaner, safer planet for our children and grandchildren, and future generations to come.
