State Senators Jen Metzger and James Skoufis Hold Public Hearing on the Climate and Community Protection Act (CCPA) in New Paltz

(New Paltz, NY) Senators Jen Metzger (SD-42) and James Skoufis (SD-39) held a public hearing today in New Paltz on the Climate and Community Protection Act (CCPA), S2992 – proposed state legislation to comprehensively address climate change. Over 75 people attended, with 41 providing testimony.

“I want to thank the many concerned citizens from our region who came to these hearings today to give us their perspective on the CCPA and solutions for addressing accelerating climate change,” said Senator Jen Metzger. “The consensus in the room was that we cannot afford to delay any longer in making the shift to a clean energy economy. The good news is that we can create thousands of good-paying green jobs in the process while achieving true energy security that breaks our dependence on imports of fossil fuels into New York.”

Senator Skoufis said, “The large turnout we had at today’s climate change forum demonstrated how important protecting the environment is to our Hudson Valley constituents. Passing a comprehensive climate change bill is a top priority this legislative session because we can’t afford to wait any longer.”

The CCPA sets a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in New York by 100% by 2050. The legislation has previously passed the New York State Assembly and is expected to come before the State Senate for a vote this session.

Jen Metzger represents the 42nd Senate District, which includes all of Sullivan County and parts of Delaware, Orange, and Ulster Counties. Senator Metzger serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee and sits on the Environmental Conservation, Education, Health, Energy and Telecommunications, and Local Government, Women’s Issues, Domestic Animal Welfare, and Legislative Commission on Rural Resources Committees.