Senate Democratic Majority Passes Historic Climate Leadership And Community Protection Act

Albany – The Senate Democratic Majority today passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CCPA) to address and mitigate the effects of climate change by drastically cutting greenhouse gases, diverting the state’s energy reliance to renewable sources, and creating green jobs to promote environmental justice across New York State. This bill is the most comprehensive and aggressive climate change legislation in the nation.

“Today marks a historic day for New York State in the fight against climate change,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “As our leaders in Washington fail to take action, New York needs to lead in this time of great crises for our planet. I commend Senator Todd Kaminsky for championing this bill and protecting New York’s future generations.”

“This bill is the most ambitious climate legislation in North America,” said Senator Liz Krueger. “It sets a goal of net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050, while ensuring that frontline communities and the needs of workers remain front and center. But this is not just a climate bill, it is also a jobs bill, ensuring that New York businesses and workers will be at the forefront of the new clean energy economy. This is a bold step, but it is still only one step. We have a lot more work to do to make sure we reach these critical goals.”

Bill Sponsor and Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, Senator Todd Kaminsky, said, “While Washington is asleep at the wheel, New York is leading the way. The CLPA will virtually eliminate New York’s greenhouse gasses, foster renewable energy production, create green jobs, invest in lower-income communities, and protect our planet. New Yorkers and the world cannot wait any longer. This is the moment for bold, global change–and I’m proud to say New York is leading the nation.”

The Senate Majority held a series of hearings on the Climate Leadership and Community Protect Act (CCPA), led by Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, Senator Todd Kaminsky, in Albany, New Paltz, Syracuse, New York City, and Long Island. 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.

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 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.

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