Editor,
In 2019 New York State passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), one of the most far-reaching pieces of legislation in the U.S. to address climate change. This blueprint for the future creates new clean industry jobs while reducing greenhouse gases and pollution.
The CLCPA promotes partnerships between citizens, businesses, schools, and governments to improve people’s lives, especially those who have been negatively impacted by current practices. An important next step, the CCIA before the New York State legislature now, would fund the goals of climate, jobs, and justice laid out in the CLCPA.
The CCIA legislation would institute a fee on greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. One third of that money would provide direct assistance to low and moderate-income families. If fossil fuel companies raise costs, this energy rebate program will ensure that the lowest-earning 60% of New Yorkers will come out the same or ahead.
The state’s largest corporate polluters have spent millions of dollars on campaign and lobbying efforts to make certain they never face consequences. Speak out to protect the health and wellbeing of our citizens and the future of our environment. Please call your New York State Senator and urge them to pass the CCIA. (S. 4264). For information: www.nyrenews.org/ccia.
PATTY COOK
