Governor Hochul Must Lead on Climate, Jobs, and Justice

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***: September 9, 2021

Contact: Arielle Swernoff | (646) 450-5461 | arielle@nyrenews.org 

Web: @NYRenews | www.nyrenews.org

GOVERNOR HOCHUL MUST LEAD ON CLIMATE, JOBS, AND JUSTICE

In response to Governor Hochul’s statements on climate following the tragic downstate flooding caused by Hurricane Ida, NY Renews, a climate, jobs, and justice coalition, released an open letter outlining the ways the new governor can ensure New York effectively addresses the intertwined crises of climate change, pollution, and racial and economic injustice. NY Renews’ demands include: 

  • Ensure that at least 40% of all state climate and energy spending, and at least 40% of all federal climate funding directed to New York, is invested in frontline communities, including low-income communities, communities of color, and Indigenous communities. 

  • Direct every state agency to go all-hands-on deck in implementing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and ensure all agencies comply with Section 7 of the law. Section 7 requires that all agency decisions are reviewed through a climate screen and equity screen — decisions must not increase our state’s greenhouse gas emissions, nor may they increase pollution and climate burdens on marginalized communities. 

  • Pass the Climate and Community Investment Act to provide $10-$15 billion in funding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, invest in resilient infrastructure, support communities most impacted by the climate crisis, and create good, green jobs. 

Additionally, the coalition demanded that Governor Hochul:

  • Address the upcoming utility shutoff crisis

  • Support the Restore Mother Nature Bond Act

  • Ensure state climate and recovery work adheres to gold-standard labor provisions

  • Fully staff DEC, NYSERDA, and other agencies working on the state’s climate response

  • Eliminate state subsidies to fossil fuel companies

“The climate crisis is already here — but it's not too late to protect New Yorkers from the worst impacts of climate change while building safe, healthy, and thriving communities. Governor Hochul has a golden opportunity to position New York once again as a leader in the fight for climate, jobs, and justice. We are determined to continue to fight for climate justice for all New Yorkers, and hope the Governor will join us,” said Stephan Edel, NY Renews Coalition Coordinator. 

The full text of the letter can be found here. 

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NY Renews