Do you have 60 seconds to make a difference today?
The 2022 New York State Legislative Session is scheduled to end today, June 2. Right now, three pieces of climate justice legislation are being held up in the New York State Assembly:
The Build Public Renewables Act (A.1466D) will build renewable energy that is more affordable and create good jobs in the process. It will also expand publicly owned renewable power generation across the state, which studies have shown produces lower utility rates and higher customer satisfaction.
The Clearing the Toxic Air Act (A.6150B) will create air quality standards for toxic contaminants that causes cancer, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color, and establishes a community benefit fund supporting beneficial projects in these communities.
The All-Electric Buildings Act (A.8431B) will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by ensuring that all new buildings built in 2024 and beyond will be all-electric. It will also reduce air pollution, including indoor air pollution, which is critical because children living in a home with a gas stove are up to 42 percent more likely to develop asthma.
Please take a minute TODAY to call New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (pronounced Hasty) at 518-455-3791, urging him to pass these two bills. We’ve even created a script for you to use (but feel free to improvise):
Hello Speaker Heastie, my name is [NAME]. I am calling from [LOCATION] and am a member of WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
I am asking you to support the Build Public Renewables Act, Assembly bill number A.1466D; the Clearing the Toxic Air Act, Assembly bill number A.6150B; and the All-Electric Buildings Act, Assembly bill number A.8431B.
Studies show that climate change is impacting communities of color first and worst, and these bills will help provide some climate justice for frontline communities across the state – including in the borough you represent.
Passage of these bills will also help ensure that we meet our legally mandated climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
So please, Speaker Heastie, pass these three bills before the end of the session and help deliver the climate justice that all New Yorkers deserve. Thank you!
