TODAY: ADVOCATES TO DEMAND ASSEMBLY PRIORITIZE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AMID ENERGY TRANSITION BY PASSING JETA

Despite passage of crucial legislation by Senate, Assembly has failed to advance bill that would ensure all NYers benefit from State's nation-leading shift to clean energy; Energy Committee taking up measure on Tuesday, May 21

ALBANY, NY (05/21/2024) (readMedia)-- TODAY, the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA), NY Renews and other environmental justice organizations will rally at the Capitol to demand the Assembly pass the Just Energy Transition Act, or JETA (S2935-C) / (A4866-C), before the end of session as part of a Climate Justice Action Week in Albany. JETA would require the state to conduct a comprehensive review of how to phase out New York State's oldest and most environmentally destructive fossil fuels-generating facilities by 2030 while prioritizing an equitable transition for all New Yorkers.

JETA has the potential to transition 30 of the dirtiest power-generating facilities away from fossil fuels across New York State while protecting energy reliability and ratepayer costs. The bill would prioritize the health, well-being, and future of New Yorkers, especially low-income communities and communities of color who have been disproportionately impacted by dirty fossil fuels infrastructure and air pollution.

The bill passed the Senate last month and is on the Assembly Energy Committee meeting tomorrow with overwhelming support from lawmakers within the chamber. Advocates are hopeful that the bill's inclusion in the Energy Committee meeting tomorrow could mean the passage of JETA is near.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 21 at 11:30am

WHERE: Outside Senate Gallery (by the elevators), 4th floor, NYS Capitol

WHO: Lawmakers including Assemblymembers Anna Kelles, Zohran Mamdani and Kevin Parker

Organizations including: NYC Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA), NY Renews, Environmental Advocates NY (EANY), El Puente, THE POINT CDC, long-time NYCHA advocates and residents, and others

WHAT: Lawmakers and advocates will rally to demand lawmakers pass JETA before the end of session to prioritize environmental justice as part of a larger "Climate Justice Action Week" in Albany.

From Monday, May 20th through Wednesday, May 22nd, NYC Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA), NY Renews, and other climate and environmental justice organizations across New York will host a series of press conferences and lobby visits to demand Governor Hochul and the Assembly pass critical climate legislation including the Just Energy Transition Act, NY HEAT Act, and Climate Change Superfund Act before the end of session.