Statement From Danielle Brecker, New York State Democratic Committee Member, Assembly District 36 on the March to End Fossils Fuels happening on Sunday, September 17, 2023 in New York City

Sunday, September 17, 2023, New York City, NY. This afternoon, I will continue to use my voice to combat the climate emergency. I will join the March to end Fossil Fuels in New York City. I will march with Empire State indivisible, many of our partner organizations, and my neighbors in Assembly District 36, Queens, all five boroughs and across New York State.

I march today to end the use of fossil fuels around the globe. This is an urgent priority but not the only priority. New York State must continue to show leadership and commitment to combating climate change, there is much much more we can do.

Along with Empire State Indivisible, I call on the New York State Legislature and Governor Hochul to do everything in their power to enact the following three New York State bills into law in 2024.

• Climate Change Superfund Act that will make the state’s worst polluters, ultra wealthy major oil companies, pay for the harm they have caused. (S.2129/A.3351 both of 2023)
• New York Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (NY HEAT Act) that will transition New York to pollution free heating and cooling, provide relief from expensive gas heating, and put justice at the center of building electrification. (S.2016 of 2023 / A.9329 of 2022)
• Just Energy Transition Act (JETA) that will provide a plan to guide the replacement and redevelopment of New York State’s fossil fuel facilities and sites by 2030. (S.2935 of 2023 / A.9881 of 2022)

In October 2021 when I testified in opposition to the proposed NRG power plant in Astoria, I said, “this is not just about my community in western Queens — it is about New Yorkers in all five boroughs and across our state. New Yorkers harmed by power plants that use fossil fuel” I went on to testify that New Yorkers want “bold policies. Like those that will end our dependence on fossil fuel, combat the climate crisis, and embrace green, renewable energy and jobs.”

This is why I march today and why I call on the New York State Legislature and Governor Hochul. to enact these three bills.

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