There are only a few weeks left in the New York State legislative session and we need to act fast to ensure key environmental justice bills pass. The NY HEAT Act passed in the Senate but is being blocked in the Assembly, and we need your help to push this bill over the finish line.
Energy affordability has reached a crisis level in New York State, with 1.4 million New Yorkers having struggled to pay their energy bills this past winter. Disadvantaged New Yorkers – particularly people of color and low-income – face the greatest burden because they are required to spend, on average, a disproportionate amount of their household income on energy bills. On top of that, they are more likely to live in older, less energy-efficient homes that require more energy to heat and cool – raising their energy bills even higher. And the situation will only get worse as the climate crisis brings even more extreme weather to our state.
The New York HEAT (Home Energy Affordable Transition Act) is critical climate and energy affordability legislation. Passing this bill will align New York State’s Public Service Law with the mandates of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), end wasteful ratepayer subsidies to build out more gas infrastructure, and curb utility costs for the most energy burdened.
We cannot afford any more subsidies to Big Oil, fossil fuel infrastructure, and increased costs of utility bills. That’s why it needs to pass by June 6th.
You can help us make it past the finish line with this bill by stepping up to become and Environmental Justice Sustainer today. A generous supporter is matching all new sustainer gifts through the end of May. If you become a sustainer today, you’ll double your impact and help us continue to push for environmental justice legislation that will protect the health of our communities and curb the use of fossil fuels.
