My Denmark trip: Environmental Stewards and a Clean Energy Workforce
On Saturday, July 15, I joined my colleagues in the Senate, Assembly, and members of organized Labor, including 32BJ, DC37, District Council 9, IUPAT, and NYSNA, on a legislative trip to Denmark. Our mission was clear: to observe and understand Denmark's approach to climate jobs and clean energy development. Our guides in this endeavor were The Climate Jobs Institute at Cornell University's ILR, The Climate Jobs National Resource Center, and the State of Green.
What we discovered was both enlightening and inspiring. Denmark has set an aggressive goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% in 2030 compared to 1990 levels, with a long-term aim of climate neutrality by 2050. Already, they've made significant progress, cutting emissions by 49% from 1990 levels.
Denmark's energy strategy is noteworthy. Clean energy, including wind, biomass, biogas, and solar, makes up almost 45% of the country's total energy consumption. Their commitment to renewable resources is something we can learn from. The work ahead involves building a significant workforce that will ensure the success of our climate goals both in Denmark and the United States.
The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act
Back in New York, we've taken substantial steps ourselves. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) was signed into law on July 18, 2019. New York State’s Climate Act is among the most ambitious climate laws in the nation and requires New York to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and no less than 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels.
The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) was passed in 2019 to empower every New Yorker to fight climate change at home, at work, and in their communities.
Our trip to Denmark has provided us with valuable insights and affirmed our commitment to our own climate goals. Through continued collaboration, research, and action, we're not only protecting our State's natural resources but also creating economic opportunities for workers, entrepreneurs, and business enterprises large and small.
Moreover, the CLCPA ensures that at least 35% of our efforts will be directed at Environmental Justice communities, recognizing that we must be equitable in our approach to climate change. New York is a located in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (PA) Region 2 priority area, which includes New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 8 tribal nations. The 56th Assembly District is a heat island and qualifies as an EJ community. We are working with our state and federal partners to improve the health and protect the environment in Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights by broadening our agricultural efforts and reducing air pollution. Join our efforts!
In the coming weeks and months, you will hear about the partnerships between green energy professionals, K to college institutions, and organized labor to create career pathways and enhance the livability and economic vitality of our neighborhood. The future is promising, and I am excited to work with you to make these goals a reality!
