News > News > Energy > Riverkeeper applauds NYS lawmakers and Governor Cuomo for historic deal to battle climate change

Riverkeeper applauds NYS lawmakers and Governor Cuomo for historic deal to battle climate change

ALBANY — The New York State Senate, Assembly and Governor Andrew Cuomo have reached a consensus on landmark legislation to combat climate change this morning. Lawmakers now have a bill they can vote on by the end of Wednesday, which marks the close of the legislative session.

The three-way deal establishes aggressive mandates to ensure New York achieves a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions — with 100 percent carbon neutrality — by 2050.

In addition, the agreement codifies the Governor’s goals to achieve 70 percent emissions-free electricity by 2030 and 100 percent emissions-free electricity by 2040. The text codifies the state’s energy efficiency, battery storage, solar, and wind energy goals. The 2050 mandate exceeds reductions proposed under the Paris Climate Agreement and stands as the most comprehensive and aggressive climate bill ever enacted at the state level.

Riverkeeper President Paul Gallay offered thanks and congratulations to all involved in advocating for and passing this visionary legislation: “What an achievement! Riverkeeper congratulates the legislature, the Governor and our fellow advocates, who challenged New York’s elected officials to craft the most aggressive, achievable and equitable bill possible.  This is that bill — it not only will drive unprecedented climate action here in New York, we believe it will also inspire similar action around the country. It’s what real leadership looks like on climate and It’s great news for New York’s communities, the mighty Hudson River and New York’s precious drinking water resources.”

Riverkeeper advocated for robust climate change legislation while working with a coalition including NRDC, The Nature Conservancy New York, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Audubon New York and the New York League of Conservation Voters. Our deep appreciation also goes out to all the member organizations of NY Renews which conceived, drafted and fought tirelessly to pass the CCPA and implement nation-leading climate legislation.

“Thanks to Governor Cuomo, Senator Kaminsky and Assemblyman Englebright, we have a three-way agreement in place. This climate agreement is the capstone of a legislative session with a historic environmental focus.” said Jeremy Cherson, legislative advocacy manager for Riverkeeper. “It delivers one of the strongest climate plans in the world, thanks to the tireless work of citizen advocates, environmentalists, labor and environmental justice organizations.”

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