Major Components of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act
The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA):
- Establishes a Climate Action Council of state agencies, experts, and advocates to guide the law’s ongoing implementation;
- Establishes a Climate Justice Working Group of representatives from environmental justice communities, state agencies, and representatives tasked with identifying “disadvantaged communities” where climate solutions will be prioritized.
- Includes concrete deadlines for decreasing New York’s greenhouse gas emissions to 85% below 1990 levels by 2050; and
- Mandates a shift to an electricity grid powered by 70% renewable energy sources by 2030 and 100% emission free sources by 2040.
These initiatives are environmentally and fiscally responsible: the shift to climate solutions in New York is projected to generate 150,000 jobs in the renewable installation industry alone, and the bill mandates strong actions in the building and transportation sectors, both of which are projected to increase employment and wages. Additionally, home and business owners will receive efficiency incentives for making their buildings more comfortable as they become more energy efficient.