Kate Kurera is the Deputy Director of Environmental Advocates NYIt was not so long ago that the only thing that made the New York State Senate Earth Day agenda was a short resolution. Today, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Environmental Committee Chair Kaminsky have presented a comprehensive package to honor Earth Day. This legislation will reduce air pollution and improve the lives and communities of those most affected. We thank them for continuing to be focused on the environment, and we look forward to working with them to see these bills become laws.
Julie Tighe, President of The New York League of Conservation VotersThe New York League of Conservation Voters praised the State Senate for passing a number of bills that are aimed at protecting our environment, taking nation-leading climate action and supporting electric vehicle infrastructure. It also addressed the solid waste crisis. We must reduce the main emitters of fossil fuels, namely our buildings, transportation and energy sources, in order to achieve the ambitious goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Our New York State Senate is leading the charge for bold action by introducing forward-looking legislation, including those that target our appliance and building codes. This series of bills was sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart Cousins, Senators Kaminsky and Parker, Harckham and Serrano and Skoufis, Serrano and Skoufis, Krueger and Kennedy, Hoylman and Kavanagh.
Sonal Jessel, MPH Director of Policy at WE ACT For Environmental JusticeWe have seen poorer communities in the state experience higher rates of illness, and even death, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have linked the higher incidence of chronic diseases with the adverse health effects of air pollution and other forms, and these studies also link to the cumulative effects of being exposed to these pollutants. We must stop treating these communities like dumping grounds of pollution and other hazards. This includes lead paint in older houses and mercury in personal care products.
Zack Dufresne, Executive Director, NYSEIAAccording to the statement, the New York State Senate is meeting Earth Day expectations this year with its legislative efforts. We look forward working with the Senate each year to make New York a cleaner and more sustainable place. Every day is Earth Day when the sun shines on solar power.
Rich Schrader is the New York Policy and Legislative director for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council).S7176, said the senator, “Among the many environmental laws on the Senate’s docket for this Earth Day, S7176 standsout as a way of saving consumers’ money while creating higher efficiency standards to everyday electronics. S7176 will strengthen building codes by directing states to establish new codes that allow buildings to be designed to reduce carbon emissions. A stronger building code will reduce the environmental impact on buildings, which are the largest source of greenhouse gases emissions in New York State.
Jessica Azulay is the Executive Director of Alliance for a Green EconomyWe thanked Majority Leader Andrea StewartCousins, the New York State Senate and for their leadership during Earth Month. This included passing a foundational law that will establish new standards for buildings, appliances, save New Yorkers money and reduce pollution. It also lowers greenhouse gas emissions. The Advanced Building Codes, Appliance & Equipment Efficiency Standards Act, will save New Yorkers $15Billion in 2035. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of taking 3,700,000 cars off New York’s roads for a year. We look forward to this and other laws to reduce fossil-fuel use in buildings, which were identified as necessary for the full execution of New York’s landmark climate law.
Ned Sullivan, President of Scenic HudsonIt is now that we can take action to protect our drinking water and clean air and to create jobs. Senator Stewart-Cousins has been and will continue to be a pivotal leader in achieving these crucial goals.
Adrienne Esposito is the Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.CCE commends Senate’s passing of a broad range of bills that will address climate change and our solid waste crisis. It also supports environmental justice throughout the state. New York State continues to strengthen its national leadership in environmental protection. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Kaminsky, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and other environmental champions in Senate.
Eddie Bautista, Executive director, NYC Environmental Justice Alliance, (NYC-EJA).NYC Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA), praised Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and the Senate Majority, for passing this strong package that recognizes the need for more climate action. Climate change is affecting communities in need. This package will move New York towards true environmental justice.
Kevin Miller, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at ChargePointAccording to the nation’s leading EV charging network, “The Empire State has always been an environmental leader. With this package of bills the State Senate is taking New York’s commitment to a sustainable future to the next level.” These bills will support public fleets in their transition to electric mobility and ensure that parking lots are ready to handle increased demand for charging.
Betta Broad, Campaign Director, New Yorkers for Clean Power“We are thrilled that our Advanced Building Codes, Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards Acts 2021 will be included into the NYS Senate’s Earth Day Bill Package,” said the senator. “This legislation will help New York achieve their climate goals in the construction sector and save New Yorkers $15 Billion dollars by 2035, at time when so much of the population is struggling to afford their utility bill.
Jessica Ottney Mahar is The Nature Conservancy’s New York Policy Director and Strategy DirectorThe Nature Conservancy congratulates the State Senate on passing legislation to reduce pollution, advance the transition towards renewable energy, in recognition of Earth Day. These bills were passed in response to historic state investments in environmental protection, including the $4.2billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Bond Act, a historic $400m Environmental Protection Fund, and $500m for clean water projects. We commend the New York Senate, Majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, as well as Todd Kaminsky, chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee for their environmental leadership.
