Carbon Free and Healthy Schools Rally for Public Solar Power
On Friday, March 1st nearly 100 members and staff from Climate Jobs affiliate unions joined with Council Member Sandy Nurse, other New York City Council Members, and climate activists for a rally and press conference in support of public solar power in New York City. The legislation, which has 11 co-sponsors, would require the city to install 100 megawatts of solar power on schools and city buildings by 2025—a figure that matches Mayor Adams’ administration goal—and 150 megawatts by 2030. Climate Jobs New York’s Carbon Free and Healthy Schools Campaign affiliate unions in the municipal public sector unions like UFT, DC37, and CSA as well as private sector unions like the Building and Construction Trades unions, 32BJ and NYSNA joined together in a strong showing of support on City Hall Steps
“Climate jobs New York supports this important legislation. New York city can lead the nation in using its public buildings to power public schools and agencies and create good jobs. The federal and state funds available make now the right time to invest in solar installation. It will reduce energy costs and more than pay for itself,” said Lenore Friedlaender, Executive Director of Climate Jobs New York.
“Equipping the thousands of city-owned buildings with solar power would position New York City as a frontrunner in green infrastructure and set us on a course to achieve our nation-leading climate objectives. While this legislation would benefit all New Yorkers, it will also provide workers from diverse backgrounds and communities the opportunity to pursue family-sustaining careers that open pathways to the middle class,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of The New York State Building Trades and Principal Officer of Climate Jobs NY.
“Investing in clean energy to power our public buildings in New York City will enhance building energy efficiency while cutting building energy costs. By taking advantage of the incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, the City can install solar panels on public buildings across NYC while creating thousands of good jobs to get it all done,” said Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and principal officer of Climate Jobs NY.
The climate crisis is truly at a breaking point and necessitates investments in solutions faster than we ever have before,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse. “It is madness to wait any longer to install solar power and energy storage for clean renewable and resilient energy on NYC buildings. We must rapidly draw down our use of fossil fuels at every possible opportunity. Not doing so puts our city and entire younger generations in extreme danger.”
“Councilmember Nurse's proposed legislation will accelerate the transition to solar energy for New York City's public buildings. This initiative will help New York City public schools reduce their environmental impact and provide numerous quality jobs in the green sector," said Richard Mantell, UFT Vice President for Middle Schools.
“Our members stepped up during Sandy, helping to shelter displaced New Yorkers in our public schools, and they are showing up today for this common sense legislation that is a win-win-win-win for workers, city buildings, the climate, and the city budget. And the federal government is waiting to support New York City in implementing initiatives like this – let’s not leave that money on the table. Our communities and members are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. This is an exciting opportunity for New York City to lead on climate while supporting working New Yorkers,” said 32BJ SEIU Vice President Israel Melendez, Director of the New York Metro Security Division.