Climate Jobs New York Responds to Job-Killing Cuts in Federal Budget Reconciliation Bill
Congress just passed a budget reconciliation bill gutting the federal clean energy tax credits that are creating jobs, driving investment, and lowering costs in New York and across America. Climate Jobs New York – a coalition of labor unions representing 2.6 million working people issued the following statement:
“Make no mistake, the dismantling of clean energy credits in the federal budget bill will be deeply harmful to our progress towards energy independence. However, in New York, we were building clean energy before these credits were enacted, and we will continue to do so even if they are stripped away.
Working families are on the frontline of the climate crisis – just this month, we had to choose between sweltering in record-breaking temperatures or turning on the AC and bracing for unmanageable electric bills. We need a path forward that meets our energy demands, brings down skyrocketing costs, protects our planet for future generations, and creates meaningful opportunities for workers. Clean energy is that path. Union workers in New York will continue to be a part of the solution and find ways to build the pro-worker clean energy economy we need.”
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Labor Unions Respond to Empire Wind 1 Stop Work Order Being Lifted
Today, the federal stop work order on Empire Wind 1 was lifted, allowing offshore construction to resume on the project. Labor unions from the Climate Jobs New York coalition issued the following statements in response:
Offshore wind means good, union jobs for New Yorkers. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of Governor Hochul, our building trades members are ready to resume construction on Empire Wind 1,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “Empire Wind will generate paychecks and power homes for working families across the state for years to come. Let’s keep putting more union shovels in the ground as New York leads the way toward energy independence and a more sustainable future.”
“Union workers are ready to get back to work on Empire Wind 1, a project that will deliver clean energy to half a million homes, help drive down energy prices, and support thousands of jobs,” said Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “We’re grateful to Governor Hochul for reaching this critically important agreement. Offshore wind is a vital part of our energy mix — a domestic resource that creates union jobs and strengthens our grid. Let’s get back to work powering our future.”
“Governor Hochul’s leadership and commitment to Long Island’s working families, and President Trump’s decision to rescind the stop work order on Empire Wind I, are critical for Long Island’s energy future. This project is supporting thousands of union jobs, has generated millions in local investment, and is critical to a more reliable energy system. It enhances our energy independence, strengthens our communities, and puts Americans to work building out our manufacturing supply chain. The working people of Long Island are ready to get back to work,” said John R. Durso, President, Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.
“Today, we celebrate the sequel to The Empire Strikes Back. The Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties is deeply grateful to everyone who supported the Equinor Project. We extend our sincere thanks to the President for protecting the jobs of thousands of skilled tradespeople—and to Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and support of New York’s union workforce,” said Matthew Aracich, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
“The agreement to advance the Empire Wind 1 project is excellent news for our union members and for New York. This represents a significant victory for our members, who are eager to return to work building a clean energy future,” stated Paul Capurso, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the NYC District Council of Carpenters. “We want to express our gratitude to everyone involved in ensuring this project moved forward. Their commitment to collaboration and progress has helped secure good-paying union jobs for our members, contributing to a project that will power communities, support families, and further clean energy goals.”
“Bridge painters in DC9 Local 806 have waited with bated breath for several weeks to find out if we could get to work on our jobs coating wind turbines for Empire Wind 1. Our members have put in many hours of training to get certified to work safely offshore. We’re grateful that our hard work can be put to use, now that the stop work order on Empire Wind 1 has been lifted,” said Joseph Azzopardi, Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer for District Council 9, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. “We are grateful to everyone who advocated for this outcome and negotiated this agreement to get Empire Wind back on track.
“Empire Wind 1 is a generational project that will create thousands of jobs, power New York with reliable electricity, and invest millions of dollars in our port infrastructure,” said Michael Prohaska, Business Manager of Laborers’ Local 79. “Our members have spent years preparing for these jobs, and now they can get back to serving our communities and supporting their families. Thank you to all the advocates and officials who worked to make sure that Empire Wind 1 will become a reality.”
“Local Union #3, IBEW is thrilled that the administration has decided to allow the Empire Wind 1 Project to proceed. There was so much at stake for the renewable energy industry, the union employees who would be performing the work, and the opportunities for the surrounding communities to participate in the project. We also hope the grant that was awarded to our industry’s training fund from the US Economic Development Administration proceeds without any further delay, and that we will be able to construct the Offshore Wind Training Facility to complete the necessary training to certify the tradesmen and tradeswomen in order to work on these energy projects,” said Christopher Erikson, Business Manager, Local 3 IBEW.
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Climate Jobs New York (CJNY) is a coalition of labor unions representing 2.6 million working people at the center of New York’s economy. We are united around a shared goal of combating climate change while reversing income inequality. CJNY’s mission is to advocate for a clean energy economy at the scale climate science demands, create good union jobs, and support more equitable communities and a more resilient New York.
CJNY statement on Trump Administration's Stop Work Order on Empire Wind 1
COALITION OF LABOR LEADERS STAND UP FOR CLEAN ENERGY AND GOOD JOBS
Following news of the Trump Administration’s stop work order for the Empire Wind Project, the Climate Jobs New York coalition issued the following statement on the importance of clean energy jobs for New York and Long Island’s economy and families.
“At a time when energy demand and utility bills are rising across New York, we need to build more energy, not less. Offshore wind and other clean energy projects are creating much-needed energy, while supporting high-quality union jobs and providing a boon to local economies. New York must stay the course to build diverse energy infrastructure and create the middle-class jobs our state needs.
From offshore construction to port work to manufacturing, there are thousands of union jobs in the offshore wind sector across our state that are now in jeopardy if projects are stalled. Even local delis and gas stations on Long Island see more business when offshore wind projects are under construction. It is out of touch to suggest that killing good jobs and energy sources is a good idea when working New Yorkers are struggling with rising costs of living and our grid needs stability.
Climate Jobs New York continues to stand in full support of the development of clean energy. Offshore wind has and will continue to deliver great, union jobs and economic benefits for communities on Long Island and across the state. The truth is there can be no energy independence strategy without the resources of offshore wind. Our union members are counting on clean energy jobs. We need to protect them.”
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Climate Jobs New York (CJNY) is a coalition of labor unions representing 2.6 million working people at the center of New York’s economy. We are united around a shared goal of combating climate change while reversing income inequality. CJNY’s mission is to advocate for a clean energy economy at the scale climate science demands, create good union jobs, and support more equitable communities and a more resilient New York.
New York City Council passed Intro 353A
On September 26th, the New York City Council unanimously passed Intro 353A, legislation to require New York City to generate 100 MW of electricity by 2030 and 150 MW by 2035 by installing solar photovoltaic systems on public buildings with a priority on buildings in frontline communities.
The legislation was first introduced in 2023 during Climate Week. It gained bipartisan support in the council, and support grew during the past year. Union members and climate activists lobbied city council and showed up on the day of the vote. The legislation was sponsored by Brooklyn Councilmember Sandy Nurse and had 47 co-sponsors before the vote. The roof readiness and solar system installation work will be done under union agreements, ensuring good green jobs and pathways to great careers.
CJNY Pens Op-Ed in Empire Report Calling for Strong Labor Standards in the Clean Energy Sector
CJNY penned an op-ed in Empire Report calling on Albany legislators to include strong labor standards in the renewable energy economy as part of this year’s New York State budget process. Working people in New York deserve to have good, family-sustaining careers in the clean energy economy. Without strong labor protections codified in the budget, we risk allowing the transition to a green energy system to perpetuate income inequality and racial inequities as opposed to contributing to a better economic future for all.
Read the op-ed here: https://empirereportnewyork.com/its-time-for-albany-to-lead-on-climate-jobs/
CFHS Campaign Holds Lobby Day for the NYC Public Solar Power Bill
On Thursday, April 11th the Carbon Free and Healthy Schools Campaign mobilized for a lobby day to advocate for the NYC Public Solar Power bill. Coalition unions joined together—members and staff from DC37, NYSNA, 32BJ, CSA, UFT, IBEW Local 3, and the NYC Building Trades—to showcase to City Council members the broad support for this legislation amid the labor movement. The bill, which would require the city to install 100 MW of solar power capacity on city-owned buildings by 2025 and 150 MW by 2030, would prioritize projects in disadvantaged communities and create good jobs by ensuring that all projects will be built, operated, and maintained by the city as public works.
After meeting with legislators and discussing why the bill was important to them and their fellow union members, the coalition was successful in increasing the number of co-sponsors to 38—enough to reach a veto-proof majority in the City Council. The CFHS Campaign will continue its movement to get this legislation passed and signed into law.
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.
Carbon Free & Healthy Schools Hosts a Tour of the Kathleen Grimm School for Leadership and Sustainability
Climate Jobs New York hosted a group of labor leaders, union members, and elected officials on a tour of P.S. 62 Kathleen Grimm School for Leadership and Sustainability at Sandy Ground, the first net-zero energy school in New York City and one of the first in the nation. The tour was hosted by Climate Jobs NY, a coalition of labor unions committed to building clean energy union jobs to advance equity and sustainability.
The Kathleen Grimm School was union built and has nearly 2,000 solar panels that generate enough electricity to power the school year round. The school’s architecture was designed to generate as much energy as it uses, including a green roof, underground geothermal well, rainwater retention tanks, green house garden, and other clean energy features.
New York City labor leaders said:
“More green infrastructure like the Kathleen Grimm School will create a healthier learning environment and deliver reliable, affordable energy. Retrofitting our public schools will provide our skilled union members and apprentices an opportunity to work in their communities and build carbon-free and healthy schools for teachers and students,” said Christopher Erikson, Business Manager of Local Union No. 3, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
“Building net-zero carbon schools makes healthy learning and working environments for our students and teachers. This school stands as a model for the kind of innovation and jobs that can be created by clean energy. NYC can be a model for the nation when it comes to building decarbonization by investing carbon-free and healthy schools,” said Rich Mantell, Vice President for Middle Schools, UFT.
“We have a unique opportunity to create thousands of good paying jobs and tackle the climate crisis facing our nation. That’s why the Climate Jobs NY coalition is ramping up its Carbon-Free and Healthy Schools Campaign, an ambitious and pro-worker climate action plan that would make all NYC public schools carbon-free by 2030,” said Vincent Alvarez, Director of Climate Jobs NY and President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
“Committing to rooftop solar and deep energy efficiency retrofits for all New York City public schools by 2030 is a critical next step in not only making New York City a nationwide leader in public building decarbonization, but also creating countless family-sustaining, union careers,” said Gary LaBarbera, Directory of Climate Jobs NY and President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “This transition to clean energy and others like it are crucial to the future of the city, as they will heavily support frontline communities, reduce carbon emissions, and provide hardworking New Yorkers accessible paths to the middle class.”
“New York has an opportunity to create thousands of good union jobs in the communities that need them the most by transforming all NYC public schools to be carbon-free and healthy by 2030. By following the green model of the Kathleen Grimm school, New York gets closer to meeting its climate goals,” said Lara Skinner, Ph.D. Executive Director of the Climate Jobs Institute at Cornell University’s ILR School.
The Climate Jobs NY coalition’s Carbon-Free and Healthy Schools campaign has been advocating for solar installation on NYC public schools to 150 schools per year with strong labor standards, taking advantage of historic federal funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct-pay provisions. The coalition estimates that making all NYC public schools carbon-free and healthy through solar installation and deep building retrofits by 2030 would:
create almost 45,000 jobs for New York City residents; including high-quality career pathways for women, justice-involved individuals, and members of frontline communities;
save the city’s schools $8.25 billion in energy expenditures over 30 years;
and cut energy consumption by 50%, paving the way for the city to effectively decarbonize other public buildings and reach its goal of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.
CJNY Receives New York City Council Proclamation
On Tuesday, September 19th the New York City Council honored Climate Jobs New York with a proclamation to recognize the coalition’s work to achieve good, union jobs and advance towards a greener economy. CJNY was honored alongside environmental groups by NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Councilmembers Sandy Nurse, Carmen De La Rosa, Amanda Farías, James Gennaro, and Alexa Avilés as part of New York City Climate Week 2023.
Rank-and-file members from three coalition affiliated unions received the proclamation on behalf of Climate Jobs NY: Mara Baboff, a public school teacher and member of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT); Emanuel Yllescas, an electrician and member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 3; and Nella Pineda-Marcon, a nurse and member of the New York Nurses Association. Their stories related to the crowd the impacts of climate change on both their workplaces and their lives, and showcased how they see their unions leading the way towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Here is what CJNY leadership and members had to say about their work and the recognition from the City Council:
“We appreciate the New York City Council’s recognition of the crucial role that union members play in the transition to a clean, green and renewable energy future. Union members are trained and ready to build and operate offshore wind, install solar panels on New York’s buildings and make the energy efficiency building retrofits so that we reduce overall energy use,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of The New York State Building Trades.
“We applaud the City Council for lifting up the work of labor and community coalitions who are advocating for the responsible development of clean and renewable energy. The labor movement is in the forefront of these efforts as New York City moves towards addressing the ongoing threat of climate change and building out a clean energy economy,” said Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
“Climate Jobs NY is very pleased to be recognized by the City Council for our efforts to make New York City and State a leader in creating good union jobs in the clean and renewable energy sectors. The Carbon Free and Healthy Schools Campaign advocates for New York City to transition all of the New York City public schools to solar power and implement other energy efficiency measures and physical plant improvements to ensure that all of New York’s public schools are healthy and energy efficient places to learn and to work,” said Lenore Friedlaender, Executive Director of Climate Jobs NY.
"I have been actively involved in Climate and Environmental Justice issues since 2013, when I went to the Philippines, the country where I was born, and saw first-hand the devastation Typhoon Haiyan left behind. This was not long after Superstorm Sandy struck New York, causing flooding and destruction here at home, especially for low-income communities of color. As a nurse, it was easy for me to make the link between climate change and public health. I knew then that NYSNA had a uniquely important role in this fight!” said Nella Pineda-Marion, a nurse and member of NYSNA.
“My union, like many other unions, is doing a lot of seminars and trainings so that we are prepared to work on offshore wind, solar installation, and other energy efficiency projects. It’s urgent that we all do our part to combat climate change. I want to make sure that my family, my future family, and everyone’s family has a sustainable planet to live on with good jobs,” said Emanuel Yllescas, a union electrician and member of IBEW Local 3.
“Climate change is causing extreme heat and wildfires. That makes the air quality worse. I am a special needs teacher and the health of some of my kids is very fragile. Some are very sensitive to air quality. The Carbon Free and Healthy Schools Campaign is pushing to get all of our public schools energy efficient with good air quality and proper air conditioning and heating and to put solar on all of our schools so we all do our part to slow down climate change,” said Mara Baboff, a special education teacher and member of UFT.
“The planet is not ours to own, it’s ours on loan and we all have a responsibility to make sure the climate we hand off to future generations is viable. Unions can be part of that solution,” said 32BJ SEIU member and residential superintendent Martin Robertson. “I have participated in and now teach ‘Green’ classes at my union’s training fund – free to members – to equip residential building service workers with knowledge and skills to reduce buildings’ carbon footprint and adopt the latest building efficiency techniques. I’ve put this knowledge to use at my 300-unit building. I’m proud my union is part of Climate Jobs NY and is helping the fight to make sure green jobs are good union jobs. Unions can lead on climate. And so can NYC!”
CJNY Co-Hosts “Rally for Public Solar Power”
On Thursday, September 14th, CJNY co-hosted a “Rally for Public Solar Power” with Councilmember Sandy Nurse, Carmen De La Rosa, Pierina Sanchez, and Climate Works for All. The rally took place in City Hall Park just before Councilmember Nurse introduced new legislation that aims to bring solar panels on public buildings in New York City. Dozens of union members and constituents joined the rally to support the bill’s goal and to call for more forceful, immediate action to fight climate change.
If passed, this bill could lead to solar installation on public buildings in NYC with the potential to deliver 100 Megawatts of power from city-owned buildings by 2025. Moreover, the legislation calls for reaching 150 Megawatts of power delivered from city-owned buildings by 2030. This initiative has the capacity to save the city millions of dollars in energy costs while also cutting carbon pollution substantially. And to make it happen, the city can create numerous high-quality union jobs.
With this bill, NYC can use its buildings to combat climate change. Staten Island already is home to one such NYC-owned building, P.S. 62, one of the first net-zero school buildings in the country that was constructed with 100% union labor. Following this model, NYC can lead the nation by using solar installation on schools and other public buildings – both retrofitting existing buildings and outfitting new structures – to create a more sustainable path forward for our environment and to create good, union jobs for the working people of the city.
Here is what union members and labor leaders had to say about the rally and the bill:
“I saw firsthand the destruction that Hurricane Sandy caused and the suffering of people who lost their homes and all their belongings,” said Robert Brunotte, member of Laborers Local 79. “My first union job was on the Sandy Build It Back program to clean and rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. That union job was a life-changer for me. I was able to buy a car and get my family on track for a middle class life. Union members like me want clean air, clean water and want to be part of the solution. We care about our environment and want every worker to have a good union job. We are ready to do the work,” he continued. Brunotte was one of the speakers at the rally.
“If I have kids, I want their future to be secure. That means good jobs and a healthy climate. I love the school where I work. For 9 years I have put my blood sweat and tears into it. Today we have the opportunity to invest in our school buildings, address climate change and create good quality jobs all at the same time. We have to do whatever we can to be part of the solution. Let’s make this happen,” said Sebastian Garcia, member of 32BJ SEIU and a cleaner at the Louis D. Brandeis High School in New York City.
“We applaud Councilmember Nurse and the other bill sponsors for introducing legislation to accelerate the transition to solar on New York’s public buildings prioritizing New York City’s public schools. This is an important first step in making every New York City public school building a clean and healthy place to learn and to work in addition to creating thousands of good union green jobs. Extreme weather events like the recent wildfires remind us how urgent it is we take immediate action for a just transition to renewable energy. Let’s invest in responsible solutions to build a sustainable and just future,” said Lenore Friedlaender, Executive Director of Climate Jobs NY.
“Putting solar on the thousands of city-owned buildings will make New York City a leader in reducing our carbon footprint. If done right, this legislation could lead to the creation of thousands of good jobs and an entry into a lifetime career for young workers and workers of color,” 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 will reduce New York City’s energy costs while improving building energy efficiencies. New York can take advantage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and the environmental bond act to help defray the cost of installing solar on our public buildings while creating thousands of good union jobs,” said Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO and principal officer of Climate Jobs NY.
NYC Council Members, Unions Highlight Opportunity of Carbon Free & Healthy Schools Initiative
Today, 30 members of the New York City (NYC) Council voiced their support to NYC Mayor Eric Adams of the Carbon Free and Healthy Schools Initiative, a union-led campaign that is advocating for the decarbonization of NYC public schools through deep energy-efficiency retrofits paired with installation of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, with strong labor standards attached. Click to Read More.
NYC Councils Sends Letter to Mayor in Support Carbon-Free and Healthy Schools Initiative
“We are writing to express our full support of the Carbon Free and Healthy Schools (CFHS) initiative, and readiness to advance the goals of the initiative this year.” Click Here to Read Letter
Climate Jobs NY Issues Strong Support for Enshrining Pro-Worker Climate Action In State Budget
NEW YORK CITY—This week, Climate Jobs New York, a coalition of unions representing 2.6 million working New Yorkers, sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart- Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie urging state leaders to enshrine strong worker protections and a pro-worker approach to implementing the state’s landmark climate law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), in the state budget. Click here for press release.
Councilmembers Join Unions for Apprenticeship Tour, Call for Carbon-Free and Healthy Schools
Speaker Adams and Councilmembers toured three union training centers with Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa and Climate Jobs NY, as the union-led coalition ramps up Carbon-Free and Healthy Schools campaign. Click here for our press release.
New York State is launching its third offshore wind solicitation.
By Adina Genn, Long Island Business News
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday that the state seeks to procure 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable energy that would power at least 1.5 million New York homes. Click here for more.
NY On Track To Creating 9K MW Of Wind Energy In Long Island: NYS
Naeisha Rose, Patch Staff
A $500 million investment to procure 2K MW will help the state get closer to creating 10,000 offshore wind jobs, said Hochul's Office. Click here for more.
Op-Ed Union labor will help lead New York’s transition to clean energy
By Joseph Azzopardi, AMNY
As extreme weather patterns become a common occurrence, and sea levels and greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise alarmingly, New York State has rightly acknowledged the urgency of the climate crisis during its latest legislative session. Click here for more.
Updating aging NYC school buildings will reduce the city’s carbon emissions: energy advocates
By Michael Elsen-Rooney, Daily News
The city’s aging school buildings, which spew out the same volume of carbon dioxide emissions as 154,000 cars each year, will be a key battleground in efforts to reduce air pollution and boost clean energy across city, advocates say. Click here for more.
Op-Ed: Workers have a plan to kickstart NYC’s stalled climate response
By Gary LaBarbera and Vincent Alvarez
As leaders of Climate Jobs NY, a coalition of unions representing millions of working New Yorkers, we stand behind this climate jobs vision for our city. Workers are already on the frontlines of climate change. We rebuilt after Sandy, cleaned up flooded public schools after Ida, and are working hard to build renewable energy infrastructure.
Hard to breathe: Report finds most NYC public schools with worst ventilation woes are in areas lacking green technology
Hard to breathe: Report finds most NYC public schools with worst ventilation woes are in areas lacking green technology. "We have billions of federal dollars available right now that our city can invest in repairing and retrofitting school buildings to create healthier classrooms for students and educators, slash carbon emissions and pollution, create good union jobs, and save our city millions of dollars in energy costs. Healthy school buildings mean healthy kids, educators, and communities.” said Dave Hancock, Interim Executive Director, Climate Jobs NY. Click here to read more.
By Isabel Song Beer, AMNY