Long Island Elected Officials and Community Organizations Call For Passage Of Ambitious Climate Justice Legislation In New York State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: 05/23/2019

Contact: Ryan Madden

Telephone: 914-924-3970

Arielle Swernoff

Telephone: (646) 450-5461

Delegation of Long Island Elected Officials and Community Organizations Call For Passage Of Ambitious Climate Justice Legislation In New York State

Mineola, Long Island - New York is on the verge of passing a landmark climate equity bill, the Climate and Community Protection Act (S2992/A3876), but time is running out in Albany. This bill would rapidly transition the state’s economy off of fossil fuels, invest 40% of the state’s climate fund into low-income communities and communities of color, and set high wage standards to make green jobs good jobs.

The CCPA has been called the most progressive climate equity policy in the nation, and if it is passed, New York would be a national leader on climate justice policy. With less than one month left until the end of the legislative session in NYS, lead bill sponsors Senator Todd Kaminsky and Assemblyman Englebright called for the passage of the strongest version of this bill by June 19th during a press conference and rally outside the Nassau County Legislature Building alongside community organizations and other Long Island elected officials: Assembly Members, Senators, Town Council Members, and County Legislators.

Legislators in attendance included Senator Todd Kaminsky, Assemblyman Steve Englebright, Senator Anna M. Kaplan, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Senator John Brooks, Senator Kevin Thomas, Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, Town of Hempstead Clerk Sylvia Cabana.

"As Washington politicians shrug, our planet is in peril. It is critical that New York lead the way and do all we can to protect the environment," said Senator Todd Kaminsky, Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee. "I was pleased to speak at today's rally in support of the Climate and Community Protection Act, my comprehensive legislation that tackles the climate crisis head-on."

“Our time to act on the climate crisis is short. We need to pass a strong Climate and Community Protection Act this year to begin to transition our state’s economy off fossil fuels to clean energy and provide a model for other states to follow,” said Assemblyman Steve Englebright, Chair of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee.

“We’re counting on our elected leaders to make sure climate legislation in New York is ambitious, enforceable, equitable, and just,” said Ryan Madden, Sustainability Organizer for the Long Island Progressive Coalition. “That means we have to move all of our economy off of fossil fuels, not just electricity, and we need an enforceable deadline to do it -- not an aspirational goal. Climate legislation must center equity and justice, by investing resources in the communities on the frontlines of climate change and pollution – and by making sure that green jobs pay prevailing, family-sustaining wages. That’s what the Climate and Community Protection Act does. Let’s pass it this year.”

“Climate change has the power to devastate life on Long Island and across New York State, and if we don’t take decisive action, our communities, and our economy, will be left behind,” said Senator Anna M. Kaplan. “It’s time for New York to lead by passing the Climate and Community Protection Act, so that we can transition our economy and our workforce to the jobs of tomorrow, conserve our critical resources, and protect our communities.”

"Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing Long Island. We need to act now and we need to act boldly if we’re going to stop this devastation,” said Senator Jim Gaughran. “I'm proud to co-sponsor the Climate & Community Protection Act to help reduce dangerous and dirty emissions from cars, buildings and other sources. While the federal government continues to shirk responsibility and divert funding away from protecting our environment, New York has stepped up and is leading the fight with investments in renewable energy, banning offshore drilling, and more."

“The protection of our State’s environmental resources has always been one of my highest priorities. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the New York State Climate and Community Protection Act,” said Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele. “We are already facing the adverse effects of climate change across our region, and it’s time we adopt sustainable policies that address the climate crisis and its grave impact on our communities.”

"The time is now to get the New York State Climate and Community Protection Act (CCPA) passed - with its most important protections intact! We must move our economy off of fossil fuels, invest in communities most impacted by climate change, and ensure green jobs are good jobs,” said Michael Gendron, Executive Vice President of Communication Workers of America Local 1108. “The CCPA protects the standards for the workers in the energy industry by including prevailing wage, safety policies and apprenticeship programs. It is vital that we protect the workers who will build the clean, renewable energy network. We must protect the world we live in and the world we leave to our children.”

“The Climate and Community Protection Act is bold and brave but also necessary to preserve our planet for the next generation and support those economically disadvantaged communities most affected by pollution and climate change,” said Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory. “It is time to shift from aspiration to activation. New York leads the nation in passing landmark legislation, and it is only fitting that we pioneer a path for climate justice policy as well.”

“The Climate and Community Protection Act is a necessary and powerful step in fighting climate change and strengthening our communities. By trading our reliance on fossil fuels for jobs in the renewable energy industry, our communities, our environment, and future generations will be better served,” said Assembly Member Judy Griffin, Member of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee. “With an endeavor of this magnitude, it is essential that labor is included in the process, and there are multiple ways their proficient skills can be used or adapted for renewable energy. This pivotal legislation will highlight New York as the leading state in the nation in its efforts to tackle climate change and hopefully will serve as an example for other states to follow. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation and hope to get this past the finish line in the coming weeks."

“The Climate and Community Protection Act is a crucial step forward to both a sustainable and just society. One cannot come without the other, and thus we have a moral obligation to pass this bill and make NY a leader for climate justice,” said Eric Stenzel, Hub Coordinator for Sunrise Movement Long Island.

“Through the Climate and Community Protection Act, New York can end its reliance on fossil fuels, commit to profound investments in communities most acutely impacted by climate change and ensure the next generation of environmentally sustainable jobs are also economically sustainable for workers,” said Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview). “We must win the battle against climate change for the sake of our children and grandchildren, and the Climate and Community Protection Act will position New York State as a clear leader in these efforts.”

“East Hampton, a designated Climate Smart community, has made significant progress toward meeting a 100-percent renewable energy goal and transitioning away from the use of fossil fuels,” said East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc. “I support passage of the Climate and Community Protection Act, which will solidify similarly ambitious goals statewide, and insure that clean energy efforts also contribute to a green economy.”

“New York has been a leader in implementing programs and policies emphasizing investment in renewable energy,” said Huntington Councilwoman Joan Cergol. “Enacting the Climate and Community Protection Act (CCPA) would ensure New York is a national leader on climate action legislation.”

“The handwriting has been on the wall for decades, global warming is a real issue that gets progressively more difficult to reverse as time marches on and the denial game tries desperately to overshadow science,” said Shelter Island Town Board Councilman Jim Colligan. "We have taken small baby steps to address this critical issue but now is the time to recognize that baby steps are not going to move the needle. Greed can not be the hurdle that prevents America from moving forward with meaningful legislation that supports a well developed plan that reserves global warming. We should be setting the example for others to follow—Let’s Make the World A Better Place."

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NY RenewsMay 23, 2019