by Jenna Cain
On Friday, June 3rd, the New York State Assembly and Senate wrapped up the 2022 legislation session in what was a disappointing ending for climate advocates statewide. Though over a dozen bills pushing for a shift away from fossil fuels were introduced or in committee this session, few were passed.
Victories from the session include a bill requiring the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the NY State Energy Research and Development Authority to develop a plan by December 2022 for procuring zero-emission state vehicles and another bill to hold facilities accountable for specifically polluting low-income and communities of color passed in April, and a moratorium on energy-intensive cryptocurrency mining practices, passed June 2nd---the final day of the session.
What was left behind? The Teacher's Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, requiring the NYS teacher's retirement system to divest any money in coal, oil, and gas-producing corporations, the Renewable Capitol Act, requiring state-owned Albany facilities to transition off of all fossil fuels, and the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Elimination Act, repealing tax cuts for fossil fuel companies, were just some of the many climate bills in committee that were not put up for a vote.
One bill garnered much attention as the end of the session drew near: the Build Public Renewables Act. The act, which would require the New York State Power Authority to provide only renewable energy to its customers and be the sole energy provider of all state-owned facilities, passed in the State Senate on June 1st in a 38-25 victory. However, the following night, the last day of session, it became clear that Assembly Speaker Heastie would not put the bill on the Assembly floor.
But, after facing much backlash on his decision, he released a statement on June 6th expressing his and the Assembly's support for the BPRA. He is requiring the DEC to hold a hearing for the act on July 28th, an extremely rare occurrence post-session. Details about this hearing have not yet been released, but it is certain that Sunrise Westchester will be there to express our approval for the BPRA.