The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CCPA), which was passed by the New York State Senate last week, seeks to address and mitigate the effects of climate change by drastically cutting greenhouse gases, developing renewable sources of energy, and creating green jobs to promote environmental justice, according to a senate statement.
More specifically, the bill requires that the state get 70 per cent of its electricity from renewably sources by 2030 (up from today’s 60 per cent), and shift to 100 per cent carbon-free electricity by 2040. The state will also will have to reduce its carbon emissions by 85 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050, making it climate neutral.
To achieve these ambitious goals, the state plans to invest in solar rooftop programs and erect offshore wind turbines. It will also promote reforestation efforts and restore peatlands to store CO2 from the air.
“Today marks a historic day for New York State in the fight against climate change,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “As our leaders in Washington fail to take action, New York needs to lead in this time of great crises for our planet.”
Democrat Andrew Cuomo and governor of New York State has pledged that his state's climate ambitions go well beyond this latest bill.
“After passing this bill, we continue to develop and implement policies and initiatives to spur unparalleled innovation and investments,” Cuomo said. “As we transition to a net zero emissions future, we will continue to bolster green job initiatives that ensure that all New Yorkers share in the benefits of a clean energy economy.”
