Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced that the NY State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which he co-sponsored, passed the Assembly and Senate (A.8429). The bill takes important steps to combat climate change in New York State, including reducing greenhouse gases, implementing clean energy goals for 2030 and investing in green energy projects. As a civil engineer, Assemblyman Santabarbara has been a tireless advocate for a wide array of environmental policies and a staunch protector of our state’s natural resources.

“We’re seeing the effects climate change on our environment, especially in our area of upstate New York where extreme weather events and flooding are becoming more common and taking a heavy toll on our rural communities,” Assemblyman Santabarbara said. “Now more than ever, it’s important to step up and find sustainable long-term solutions for the generations to come and for the well-being of our families today,” Santabarbara added. “This bill enacts clear-cut goals to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and move toward clean energy. If we’re serious about safeguarding public health and promoting environmental sustainability, we simply cannot compromise on these critical issues.

“As my colleagues in Congress continue to drag their feet on meaningful national climate action, New York and other states are stepping up to deal with this growing crisis,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “I commend Assemblyman Santabarbara and all who have helped carry bold climate legislation forward. Congress needs to follow this example and move forward with a comprehensive national climate action plan that confronts the crisis head on. The painful costs of climate inaction will keep increasing until we do.” – Congressman Tonko is the Chair of the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change under the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

To help reduce man-made pollution, the legislation sets goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050, requires that 70% of electricity be produced by renewable energy systems by 2030 and requires 100% clean energy statewide by 2040. The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) would also be tasked with establishing and implementing greenhouse gas emissions limits for the state, as well as with publishing recommendations on how to achieve this goal.

The measure would invest in renewable energy projects, such as solar arrays, heat pumps and wind turbines, in public low-income housing. And to ensure employees working on these projects can support themselves, the bill would require that workers be paid a prevailing wage and receive proper training with comprehensive safety policies.

The legislation would also establish the New York State Climate Action Council, consisting of 22 experts, including leaders from relevant state agencies, environmental justice advocates and labor and industry representatives.

Further, the measure would require the DEC to investigate and produce a report on the barriers to and opportunities for renewable energy projects, energy efficiency, weatherization investments and low-emission transportation options in disadvantaged communities, as well as invest funds in these projects.