In case you missed it, here's what’s been going on:
If Hochul signs it into law, New York's Make Polluters Pay legislation would require fossil fuel companies to contribute $3 billion annually up to a total of $75 billion toward climate damages and clean energy transition. Hochul says she's on board with the idea, but wants to negotiate some details with the legislature, and she says she's opposed to raising taxes on the super rich and some corporations. But Hochul is running out of time with a Dec. 31 deadline to sign something or else regular New Yorkers will (still) have to foot the bill for those tens of billions of dollars in climate damages and adaptation costs.
So starting December 10 a long list of allies began a sit-in with teach-ins, legislative speak-outs, scientists' briefings, music, and more! More than 200 people joined the rally and sit-in, and 12 elders were arrested on misdemeanor charges the first day (including some of our friends from Third Act and the Summer of Heat campaign).
The sit in and demonstrations are continuing today to demonstrate the critical importance of New York's Make Polluters Pay legislation- and the dire consequences for New York taxpayers and municipalities if Hochul fails to sign the bill. Climate organizations throughout New York State are mobilizing for this sit-in to demand that the Governor comply with the will of the people of New York expressed through the State Legislature.
If you can make it to Albany this week, please do. But wherever you are back up these brave activists with a phone call and tell Governor Hochul to listen to the protestors and make polluters pay for climate chaos!
Thanks,
Drew and the 198 methods to make polluters pay crew
