FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 19, 2023
MOTHERS OUT FRONT: NEW YORK STATE’S BUDGET IS A GOOD START; DOES NOT GO FAR ENOUGH TO ADDRESS URGENT CLIMATE CONCERNS
“New York State’s budget is a positive step towards a just transition to renewables, but doesn’t go far enough.”
Albany, NY — Following the announcement of the New York State Budget, Mothers Out Front — an organization that aims to ensure a healthy climate for all children by transforming unjust systems — is pleased to see a prioritization of climate and the environment in this year’s budget through the allocation of funds to the climate investment fund. However, the budget does not go far enough to address key issues such as a mandate to phase out fossil fuel appliances in existing homes and does not include provisions for renters and tenants rights.
“New York State budget’s allocation of funds for a dedicated climate investment fund is a positive step towards a just transition to renewables. While the budget supports decarbonizing the economy and phasing out NYPA’s fossil fuel plants by 2030, it falls short in addressing the phasing out of fossil fuel appliances in existing homes and neglects the needs of renters and tenants, who are predominantly BIPOC and low-income individuals. The budget’s limited climate additions and insufficient tenant rights provisions demonstrate a lack of commitment to fully addressing the intersectional challenges faced by those most impacted by climate destruction,” said Bella Cockerell, New York Organizing Manager for Mothers Out Front.
Mothers Out Front’s organization-wide focus areas include a just transition to renewables, which refers to the process of transitioning from a fossil fuel-based economy to one based on renewable energy sources in a way that is fair and equitable for all. It also focuses on accountable school boards for healthy schools by ensuring healthy and safe learning environments for all students. And, it prioritizes fair access to federal and state funding for BIPOC and low-income communities, which ensures that historically marginalized communities have a seat at tables where decisions are made. The budget plays a critical role in enabling or hindering these focus areas. Without adequate funding, progress towards these initiatives may be slow or stalled.
“Mothers Out Front believes this budget is a good start towards New York’s goal of achieving 70 percent renewable energy by 2030. However, we have a ways to go in addressing the phasing out of fossil fuel appliances in homes and addressing the needs of renters and tenants, who are predominantly BIPOC and low-income individuals,” said Cockerell.
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Mothers Out Front is a member-led climate justice organization. We are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and other caregivers coming together to make climate justice a priority issue that our decision-makers can no longer ignore. We are building a powerful grassroots movement to ensure a swift, complete, and just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a clean and renewable energy future where our children and families can thrive, not just survive.