Senator David Carlucci and the Senate Majority Pass Aggressive Climate Plan

(Albany, NY) -- Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) and the Senate Majority passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) to address the severe and real effects of climate change.

The legislation (S.6599), co-sponsored by Carlucci, will set New York State on a path for the most aggressive clean energy target in the nation. Solar and offshore wind power will be dramatically increased, diverting the state’s energy reliance on renewable sources. The bill aims to have New York’s electricity entirely from emission-free sources by 2040 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050.

“This is the most expansive and aggressive climate change legislation in the nation because New York leads,” said Senator David Carlucci. “We want a clean and healthy environment that our children and their children can enjoy for years to come. Proud to co-sponsor this bill and take the serious action our state needs now to reduce our carbon footprint.”

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act will:

• Minimize the adverse impacts of climate change by reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improve the state’s resiliency to the certain 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 during the transition process.
• Prioritize the safety and health of disadvantaged communities, control the potential regressive impacts of future climate change mitigation, and adopt policies for these communities.
• Review and prioritize the allocation of public investments.

The Senate Majority held a series of hearings around the State led by Environmental Conservation Committee Chair, Senator Todd Kaminsky on the Climate Leadership and Community Protect Act (CLCPA). These hearings allowed concerned citizens, stakeholders, and environmental experts to provide testimony on how climate change has impacted their communities and recommendations for New York State moving forward.