New York Passes Nation-Leading Climate Bill

ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York State legislature today passed nation-leading climate legislation. This bill raises the bar for states in the fight against climate change by establishing the strongest greenhouse gas emissions limits in the United States, requiring 70 percent renewable electricity supply by 2030 and 100 percent zero emissions electricity supply by 2040, and prioritizing equity in implementing these requirements. The bill heads to the Governor’s desk.

A statement follows from Rhea Suh, President at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC):

“This is a historic achievement in our fight against the climate crisis. Thanks to the tireless activism, grit and determination of countless advocates and state leaders who heeded the urgency, New York is now in a league of its own on climate action. This bill will help fundamentally transform the state’s economy, slash climate pollution, and help create a more just and equitable society. There is no doubt that New York’s leadership sets the bar for the rest of the nation.”

For more background, read: New York Raises the Bar on Climate Action

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The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) 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.