In response to the Supreme Court’s temporary stay of the Clean Power Plan, members of People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH), and supporters of a cleaner global economy held a press conference and ‘climate die-in” outside the US District Court at Niagara Square this past Thursday. The distress call was intended to be sent to the federal court system, and to urge Governor Cuomo and state energy leaders to continue on with the green fight. The message was clear – NY State needs to continue to be a leader when it comes to rolling out clean energy initiatives. At the same time, the state must take action to curb the pollutants that are contributing to global climate change. Even without the Clean Power Act in place at the moment, each state can take control of its own immediate and longterm future when it comes to regulating emissions and implementing green energy measures.
“Governor Cuomo and leadership in the Department of Environmental Conservation and NYSERDA need to double down on their commitment to advancing an accessible and just Clean Power Plan process as a direct response to recent actions taken by the Supreme Court. Climate change is urgent, so New York State cannot wait for the Supreme Court and Congress to move forward with the Clean Power Plan,” said John Washington of PUSH Buffalo. “Climate change and toxic carbon emissions affect us all, but they have not affected us all equally. Low income communities and communities of color are paying a deadly price for carbon pollution. Our communities are more likely to live in the shadow of a power plant or a dirty factory, more likely to suffer from pollution-related diseases like asthma, and historically we’ve been the last to get access to weatherization, renewable energy, and living wage jobs in these industries. The Clean Power Plan must protect and invest in low income communities and communities of color who’ve been left to bear the brunt of pollution for too long. This won’t won’t happen unless the Governor and the state’s energy leadership take bold action to include our communities in this process and prioritize equity in the final CPP State Implementation Plan.”
“The Clean Power Plan encourages smart energy policies that will provide a safe and clean environment for people today and future generations,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “Over 100 years ago New York turned water into clean hydroelectricity, fueling the City of Light literally and economically, and with leadership and initiative we can see renewable energy power us into the next century.”
Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, “The Clean Power Plan should be upheld and I thank PUSH Buffalo for their advocacy. I have been a strong supporter of clean renewable energy during my time in the Assembly because I know that we must work tirelessly to combat climate change here in New York and across the country. Governor Cuomo has noted that New York is leading by example, and I thank the Governor for his efforts to combat climate change. The future of our state and the entire world will depend on our commitment to clean renewable energy. If we make the investments today, we will have a cleaner and greener planet in the future.”
Photo: PUSH Facebook
