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New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation
PRESS RELEASE
May 21, 2009
NEW YORK STATE’S GLOBAL WARMING CAP ON FAST-TRACK TO CUT POLLUTION WHILE FEDERAL CLIMATE DEBATE CONTINUES
Environmental Watchdog Urges Lawmakers to Cap Carbon in New York, Launches Campaign to Reduce Pollution, Save Energy & Money
(ALBANY, NY)—On
the day a federal measure designed to reduce global warming
pollution (the American Clean Energy and Security Act of
2009) is anticipated to move out of the House Energy &
Commerce Committee, government watchdog Environmental
Advocates of New York launched a campaign to build public
support for state-level efforts to reduce global warming
pollution. The Cap Carbon – New York campaign includes five
principles to guide the state’s efforts to cut global
warming pollution, save energy and money, and help the state
put its best foot forward in the transition to a renewable
energy economy.
“While federal legislation is being debated, state bills
like the Global Warming Pollution Cap are on the fast track
and will ensure significant cuts in greenhouse gases are
made sooner rather than later,” said Jackson Morris,
Environmental Advocates of New York. “There’s no time to
waste. Research shows that the longer we wait, the more
expensive, and less beneficial addressing the climate
challenge will be. In the last few weeks of the Legislative
Session, New York leaders and lawmakers should send a clear
signal to the nation that the time to act is now.”
The Cap Carbon - New York principles include:
1. Reduce the pollution that is changing our climate.
Cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 percent by the
year 2050. Scientists say that significant cuts in climate
pollution are necessary to avert the worst effects of global
warming.
2. Support clean, safe energy sources that don’t pollute.
New York needs a State Energy Plan that includes a broad
range of clean, renewable energy technologies—wind, solar,
geothermal, and more.
3. Save power and money by investing in energy efficiency.
New York must prioritize increasing energy efficiency.
Capturing energy efficiency savings is the most economical
way to reduce climate pollution and save New Yorkers money
by lowering utility bills.
4. Reap the benefits of rising to the global warming
challenge. Investments in clean energy and efficiency
will revive our economy and reduce our dependence on greedy
energy companies. Retrofitting New York’s homes and business
put thousands of men and women to work as electricians,
engineers, roofers and inspectors. Investments in clean
energy will support a growing industry, and provide
thousands of green jobs for engineers, machinists, laborers,
steel workers and welders.
5. Protect New York’s environment from the potential ravages
of global warming. We need to start thinking ahead about
how our air, land and water will be impacted by the changing
climate. In particular, the state needs to ensure that our
water supplies will be protected and not depleted.
The Cap Carbon - New York principles include programs
and initiatives that are already in place, such as the
10-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which will
reduce power plant pollution, and legislation that will help
preserve the state’s New York’s heritage.
A bill passed by the New York State Assembly as part that
house’s Earth Day agenda, and thanks in part to the
leadership of Assemblyman Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst),
would cut climate change pollution from all sources—cars,
trucks, factories, homes, and more—80 percent by the year
2050. In the State Senate, the Global Warming Pollution Cap
bill was moved out of the Environmental Conservation
Committee by Senator Antoine Thompson (D-Buffalo) on May 5th.
The measure currently has 18 co-sponsors.
More than a dozen environmental groups from across the state
are coming to the State Capital on June 9th to
call on the Senate to support the measure.
State lawmakers are contemplating several additional
measures designed to address the threat of climate change
this year, including the Climate Change Solutions Act &
Fund, which would earmark resources generated by New York’s
role in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative for clean
energy and energy efficiency, as well as other legislation.
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Environmental Advocates of
New York's mission is to protect our air, land, water
and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in
Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws,
and champion policies and practices that will ensure the
responsible stewardship of our shared environment. We work
to support and strengthen the efforts of New York's
environmental community and to make our state a national
leader.
The tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization is also
the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.