Government officials are urging New York to take the lead in national climate initiatives as Gov. Kathy Hochul contemplates modifications to existing climate policies.
According to the Mid-Hudson News, discussions are underway regarding potential changes to the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which mandates an 85% reduction in pollution levels by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.
Gov. Kathy Hochul cited affordability concerns as the reason behind the potential shift. However, many believe the advantages significantly outweigh the drawbacks. "
"Affordability is not an excuse to weaken the CLCPA," said Anna Markowitz, Executive Director of Communities for Local Power.
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In New York, officials expressed that upgrades to electric buses have already saved taxpayers $85,000 in routine maintenance and fuel costs.
Other local officials pushed that the CLCPA had more benefits than downsides.
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"The CLCPA is also an economic engine. It's creating good-paying, local jobs that allow people to build sustainable futures in their own communities," Markowitz said.
"We should not use affordability as a reason to adjust the CLCPA," Markowitz emphasized.
"The work that's being done under this law is already making the lives of New Yorkers more affordable every day," Markowitz added.
State Senator Michelle Hinchey expressed that the bill is not only about affordability, but also about stability amid global conflicts that lead to fuel crises.
"Clean energy is cheaper. We know that. It's also a national security crisis to not be investing in our clean energy and locally produced energy like wind and solar," Hinchey said.
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