Senator Gounardes and Senate Majority Pass Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA)

(Albany, NY)-- Senator Andrew Gounardes and the Senate Democratic Majority today passed The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, the most ambitious climate legislation of any state in the country. Senator Gounardes co-sponsored the legislation. In order to combat the growing climate crisis, The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas use by 2050, and sets a target of 70% renewable energy by 2030. 

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that the world has only a dozen years to limit catastrophic global warming.[1 ]This legislation places New York State at the forefront of these efforts. 

Senator Andrew Gounardes said, "Those of us representing coastal communities know firsthand how essential it is that we act immediately on climate. I am proud that New York is showing leadership by passing the most ambitious climate bill of any state in the country. Today, we move aggressively to be part of the global solution to prevent more extreme and devastating weather events like Superstorm Sandy. 

"The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that we need to rapidly make changes at an unprecedented scale in order to meet this historic challenge. In passing the CLCPA, New York has declared itself invested in meeting that challenge.” 

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, S.6599, will:

•  Minimize the adverse impacts of climate change by reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improve the state’s resiliency to effects and risks of climate change.
• Ensure that the ongoing transition of the state's energy sector will create good jobs and protect workers and communities.
• Prioritize the safety and health of disadvantaged communities and control the potential regressive impacts of future climate change mitigation.