“The Clean Climate Careers initiative is a groundbreaking investment, representing the largest state clean energy procurement in U.S. history. With this $1.8 billion initiative, New York continues to tackle the challenges of climate change and create the high-quality, good-paying careers of tomorrow.”
New Yorkers are changing the way we think about States’ Rights. No longer is the term code for racial discrimination. Or political messaging for tearing down same-sex marriage. Or a rallying cry for the politics of exclusion.
Today, this month, this year, States’ Rights refers to all of us and to the future of our environment and our planet.
When the White House stood down from the Paris Climate Agreement, Governor Cuomo stood up.
On June 1, Governor Cuomo, along with California Governor Brown and Washington Governor Inslee, announced the formation of the United States Climate Alliance. The next day, Governor Cuomo announced the Clean Climate Careers Initiative, the largest clean-energy buy in U.S. history.
Both moves make New York a national leader.
The United States Climate Alliance is committed in principle and in detail to the Paris Climate Agreement.
“We will not ignore the science and the reality of climate change,” Governor Cuomo said. “As the federal government abdicates its responsibility to address climate change — at the expense of our environment and economy — New York is leading the nation in advancing a clean energy future.”
Making sure New York’s working families are at the center of our commitment to clean energy, the Governor has made the goals of the Clean Climate Careers initiative to:
- grow our developing clean energy economy
- make New York a magnet for new energy technologies
- prepare our workforce for careers in this industry.
Here’s what the Clean Climate Careers initiative means in real terms:
- Historic investment of up to $1.5 billion in 40-60 large scale renewable energy projects (wind and solar).
- Enough electricity generated from renewable sources to power 350,000 homes, with a goal of generating 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
- Over 1,000 energy and solar audits for municipalities and school districts to help officials make sound decisions about investments.
- 300 percent increase in the number of solar projects at schools and other public facilities.
- Help for local governments in adopting solar and energy efficiency solutions from New York Power Authority partners K-Solar and BuildSmartNY.
- Programs and policies to assist underserved communities and communities adapting to the closing of coal and other carbon-intensive energy plants.
- 40,000 new, well-paying clean energy jobs for middle-class New Yorkers by 2020.
- $15 million invested in training and apprenticeship opportunities for life time careers in renewable energy and other low-carbon sectors.
Not surprisingly, Governor Cuomo has the support of Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO; Christopher Erikson, of IBEW Local 3; John Samuelsen, International President of the transport Union of America; James Slevin, President of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2; and John J. Murphy, International Representative of New York state Association Plumbers & Pipefitters, among others.
We are proud New Yorkers. And now, with Governor Cuomo leading the nation in protecting our environment and the future of our working families, we have all the more reason to be so.
When it comes to States’ Rights, New York is right.