CLIMATE JOBS NY

January 2024

As part of the Wind Works New York coalition, Climate Jobs New York has endorsed a petition to Governor Kathy Hochul that calls for continued and prioritized support for all offshore wind projects in the state. New York is currently aiming to produce 9,000 megawatts of energy from offshore wind by 2035—enough power for up to 6 million homes. In meeting this ambitious goal, the state has the opportunity to also create family-sustaining, union jobs, reignite local manufacturing, and reduce harmful fossil fuel emissions. 

But there cannot be more delays and roadblocks. This petition implores Governor Hochul to do everything in her power to drive forward existing and future offshore wind projects to meet the pressing demand of climate change.

SIGN YOUR NAME TO THE PETITION HERE!

This month, Climate Jobs New York hosted a ‘Member Voices’ event with union carpenters who worked on the South Fork Wind Project. Members from the New York City District Council of Carpenters are some of the first Americans to work on offshore wind. Hailing from across the tri-state area, these members helped build the foundations for South Fork Wind, the very first offshore wind site in New York State. All received specialized training, completed offshore construction safety regimens, and served months-long shifts on-site of the project, which is located 35 miles off of Montauk Point. Some even traveled to Europe to return on the voyage of the Aeolus, an offshore installation vessel that was selected for installation of the project’s wind turbines. 

Climate Jobs New York will be showcasing these members’ stories so that the public sees both how unions are leading the way to combat climate change and how the transition to a renewable energy economy is bringing family-sustaining, union careers to our communities. We will continue lifting up the voices of all union members that are working to build renewable energy projects and who are learning these skills of the future in training and apprenticeship programs.

$100 Million in Environmental Bond Act Funding Announced for New York's "Clean Green Schools" Initiative

On January 23, 2024 Governor Hochul announced the availability of $100 million through the state’s Clean Green Schools Initiative. The funds, made available under the Environmental Bond Act, are targeted for and made eligible to high-needs public school districts that often serve disadvantaged communities. Projects through this initiative will be geared towards updating school infrastructure to be more sustainable and resilient with the use of clean energy technologies. Many under-resourced school districts face difficulties with extreme heat and poor air quality conditions due to a lack of efficient energy systems in their school buildings. The Clean Green Schools Initiative aims to change this while taking a huge step forward in fighting climate change. 

NYSERDA will host a Clean Green Schools Initiative informational webinar on Wednesday, February 7th at 12 PM. Click here for more information!