Friend, 

This was an incredibly exciting week. I just spent six days in Denmark with labor leaders and some of my colleagues from the Legislature learning about innovative steps they are taking to transition to a climate economy. 

New Yorkers know we have to get serious about climate change. Our skies are being choked with wildfire smoke and storms like Hurricane Ida are doing real damage in our communities. I am doing all I can to lead our transition to a union climate economy. 

Our delegation was led by the Climate Jobs Institute at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. We met with government officials and business leaders working with State of Green, a public-private partnership that's leading Denmark's transition to clean renewable energy. It was a chance to get firsthand experience with innovative technologies that are curbing emissions including the biggest wind turbine testing center in the world. 

I am looking forward to bringing some of what I learned back home to Queens as we work to implement and develop our own union climate economy. The most exciting aspect of this trip is that it was the culmination of so many things we have been doing to kick this transition into high gear.

I was proud to co-sponsor the CLCPA, which contained provisions to drastically reduce emissions and to ensure climate justice by directing benefits to the communities of color that are disproportionately affected by environmental issues. Last year, I secured funding for the Climate Jobs Institute, which is providing education and training programs to help workers and labor coalitions participate in decision-making and prepare for new green jobs. 

Transitioning to a climate economy is a chance to protect our frontline communities from devastating storms and poor air quality. It's also an opportunity to create jobs. I am committed to making sure New York becomes greener and that our new climate economy is built with union jobs. 

Thanks for your support,

Jessica