On June 1, the United States joined Syria and Nicaragua as the only nations on Earth to shun the Paris Climate Agreement.
As President Trump stood down, Governor Cuomo stood up.
The very next day, the governor announced the Clean Climate Careers Initiative, the largest clean-energy buy in U.S. history.
“The White House’s reckless decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement has devastating repercussions … for the United States, [and] for our planet,” said Governor Cuomo. “New York State is committed to meeting the standards set forth in the Paris Accord regardless of Washington’s irresponsible actions.”
Here’s what the governor’s initiative means for us:
- 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.
New York’s working families are at the center of the state’s commitment to clean energy. Not surprisingly, Governor Cuomo has the support of union leaders including the New York AFL-CIO, IBEW Local 3, The Transport Union of America, Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2, and New York State Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters.
With the governor’s Initiative, our citizens; our state; our nation; and the planet are winners.
President Trump may be “taking a backseat to other countries in the global fight against climate change,” but New York State is not.