|
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. CJNY Executive Director, Lenore Friedlaender, said “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.”
After the rally, Climate Jobs New York and affiliate unions testified at a hearing of the Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency, and Waterfronts in support of the legislation. Testimony centered on the opportunity for a ‘win-win-win-win’ since the bill can create good jobs, fight climate change, reduce pollution, and generate major cost savings for the city. The Campaign and affiliate unions will continue the efforts to ensure this legislation is passed over the coming weeks and months—be on the lookout for lobby days, public petitions, and more!
| 
