Lawmakers Urge to Boost Clean Energy in New York
As part of their attempts to move away from carbon-based fuels, state officials in New York are pushing for the expansion of cleaner and more renewable energy sources.
Some lawmakers want immediate action and on Thursday called for a special session of the Legislature to pass a measure requiring the New York Power Authority to only provide renewable forms of power to customers.
A special session to address the issue at this time appears unlikely. But the pressure to move on the bill, which was considered in an Assembly session on Thursday, comes as climate change advocates sound the alarm.
In a decision issued last month, the U.S. Supreme Court effectively limited the ability of federal environmental regulators to impose carbon emission regulations.
As the state of New York transitions away from carbon-based energies, policymakers are obligated to meet renewable energy standards in the coming decades. The bill significantly alters how New Yorkers will power their homes, buildings, and automobiles, as well as receive energy.
Additionally, officials have emphasised the social benefits of clean energy. For example, the Build Public Renewables Act would mandate prevailing pay and project labour agreements.
And González-Rojas drew attention to the effects of climate change on disadvantaged populations.
"The climate crisis has been devastating our state for decades now, disproportionately affecting the lives of Black, Indigenous, other People of Color, low-income, and immigrant New Yorkers like those I represent in Queens," she said. "I see environmental injustice in my community every day."
Source: Spectrum News
