Approval of Scoping Plan Paves Way to Bold Climate Action

ALBANY, NY – Today New York’s Climate Action Council voted on a final iteration of the Scoping Plan containing its recommendations for implementing the state’s landmark 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The Act tasked the Council with developing a Scoping Plan that serves as a framework for how the state will achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, increase efficiency and renewable energy use in all sectors, and ensure climate justice.

The following is reaction from Richard Schrader, the New York Legislative and Policy Director for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“New York State raised the bar on climate action with its nation-leading framework – the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. By approving the final Scoping Plan today, the Climate Action Council has put the state on track to reach the Act's bold climate and equity targets. The scoping plan is just the first step, however, and we look forward to working with the Governor, Legislature, and agencies to ensure effective implementation of the plan and move New York toward a clean energy future.

“While the fossil fuel industry continues to use its political clout to promote dirty energy solutions and continued gas infrastructure expansion, New York is standing firm to its commitment to improved efficiency and the electrification of buildings, transportation, and industry; a just transition; and no new fossil fuel plants. This is what will protect communities from extreme heat, flooding, and the other dangerous consequences brought on by the climate crisis – and it will bring a multitude of benefits to New Yorkers, including good jobs and healthier communities.”

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.