[Post-sustainability-committee] A New Climate Era set to begin in New York State

[Scott Carlin]

LIU is likely to benefit from significant new goals set by New York State, including a dramatic expansion in offshore wind.  New York’s plan could place Long Island at the forefront of a new offshore wind industry.  Eventually, these regional investments will significantly reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions from the electric grid.  LIU should develop complementary strategies for reducing its greenhouse gases from heating and transportation systems.  LIU should also consider the impacts generated from other campus operations such as food services.  Many universities have also divested their stock portfolios from fossil fuel industries, anticipating that these industries may not be good long-term investments.  The following information suggests that New York may increase its investments in renewables by as much as $1 billion dollars in 2020.
NY Renews, Coalition Behind NY’s Climate Law, Seeks $1 Billion in 2020 NYS Budget
Coalition says $1 billion is a down payment on a Just Transition for New York State
Albany, NY — NY Renews, the coalition behind the nation’s most aggressive climate law, today announced its goal for a $1 billion Climate and Community Investment Fund in the 2020 New York State budget in a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo.
“The climate crisis requires immediate action from every level of government. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act set a necessary mandate for New York to get off of fossil fuels while investing in communities most impacted by the crisis. We need major investments to meet our goals as a state, and the Climate and Community Investment Fund is the first step,” said Stephan Edel, Director at the New York Working Families Project and a member of the NY Renews Steering Committee.
$1 Billion would help New York State to:

  *   begin to clear the air in communities plagued by pollution,
  *   give communities more control over their energy sources,
  *   reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
  *   create a livable state.
NY State’s Climate and Community Investment Fund will be directed into four programs:

  *   The Climate Jobs and Infrastructure Fund ($300 million) will invest in solar and offshore wind, as well as updating New York State’s energy transmission and grid infrastructure to increase reliability.
  *   Community Just Transition Grants ($300 million) will target investments to catalyze community led planning and projects to increase efficiency and build out local renewable projects.
  *   The Worker and Community Assurance Program ($200 million) will fund programs for fossil fuel industry workers and host communities and replace lost tax revenue through direct grants to local governments.
  *   The Preparing for the Future Fund ($200 million) will invest in efficiency programs for buildings and public transportation. Funds will be specifically directed to low-income communities through the low-income heating assistance program, and through partnerships with public and affordable housing developments.

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