Cuomo & Senate Punt (Again) on Climate
Statewide NY Renews Coalition Takes Governor and Lawmakers to Task for Siding with Fossil Fuel Industry over Vulnerable Communities
CONTACT:
daniela.lapidous@nyrenews.org | 408-505-8010
JUNE 20, 2018 -- The 2018 New York State legislative session has reached its scheduled end with the Senate again failing to pass the Climate and Community Protection Act (S.7971A), a bill that commits the state to reaching 100% renewable energy by 2050, with built-in labor standards for renewable projects and directed investment in historically disadvantaged communities. The CCPA passed for the third year in the Assembly -- this time by a vote of 99 - 31 -- and garnered bipartisan majority support in the Senate.
In response, NY Renews, a coalition of over 140 labor, community, environmental, and environmental justice organizations across the state, released the following statement:
“With session over, the New York Senate has refused an opportunity to protect New Yorkers from the disastrous effects of climate change and spur the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs for our state. By refusing to allow a vote on the Climate and Community Protection Act, Senate Leader John Flanagan and Senate Leadership have chosen to protect corporate fossil fuel interests over the safety and health of everyday New Yorkers – especially low-income communities and communities of color.
The Senate’s failure is matched by Governor Cuomo’s silence on the CCPA. He has had every opportunity over the past three years to show leadership and prioritize this bold, progressive policy that ensures investment in frontline climate change-impacted communities. He has failed to do so.
NY Renews extends its thanks to the Assembly for continuing to show the leadership we need on this issue and to the 32 Senators - a majority of the Senate - who have co-sponsored this bill. We again call on Governor Cuomo to embrace the CCPA and make protecting New Yorkers from climate change and creating good jobs a priority. ”
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