Williams, Archila release bold climate policy platform

NYC Public Advocate and candidate for Governor of New York Jumaane Williams, alongside running mate for Lt. Gov. Ana Maria Archila, last Tuesday announced a “bold, aggressive” climate policy platform that they say will make New York a national leader in combating climate change.

The plan and their candidacies were endorsed by the influential climate justice organization Sunrise Movement NYC.

The announcement came after what Williams and Archila said is the Hochul administration’s failure to enact “significant environmental bills that would have helped the state achieve climate goals.”

They said New York failed to gain approval for these goals, including the All-Electric Building Act, the Build Public Renewables Act and a Moratorium on Proof of Work Cryptocurrency mining — “the latter of which passed the Assembly and Senate but Governor Hochul has refused to sign.”

Williams and Archila said their comprehensive climate plan “provides a roadmap that will make New York a world leader in climate policy and transition the state away from fossil fuel by moving the state toward a green energy future.”

Their plan, “A Green New York New Deal for New York,” specifically calls for the state to: Invest in our future: Fully fund and implement the state’s landmark climate bill, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, by investing at least $10 billion annually in climate funding until we meet our goals; Public Power and Clean Energy Now: Pass the Build Public Renewables Act, stop environmentally-damaging crypto mining, invest in clean energy infrastructure, and provide direct relief to low- and middle-income New Yorkers facing crushing utility costs; and Green infrastructure: ensure new buildings in New York do not use gas or oil, invest in sustainable agriculture, and advance a Green New Deal for Public Housing.

The plan also comprise: Green Transportation and Public Transit: Expand and strengthen public transit infrastructure across the state, including bus services upstate and work for a new deal for NYC subways to ensure safety, dependability, access, and modernity; and A Just Transition: support communities in shifting to a green economy, with direct economic relief, retraining programs, and the creation of thousands of strong union jobs–ensuring investments go to communities of color disproportionately impacted by climate change.

As part of the plan, the candidates have committed to reject campaign contributions from fossil fuel interests.

In announcing the climate platform and endorsement by Sunrise Movement NYC, Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, said, “Climate can’t wait, and New York can’t go another four years with climate policy coming second to cryptocurrency or corporate donors.

“I’m excited and humbled to have the support of Sunrise Movement NYC, with whom I’ve had the privilege of partnering with to help deliver victories for environmental justice,” he added. “As we look ahead to the final weeks of the campaign, I’m proud to partner with them again to advance a vision to combat the climate crisis with urgency and with equity.”

“I am so honored to have the support of Sunrise, whose members have sparked a movement for urgent action on climate change at every level of government,” Archila said. “Jumaane and I are the only ones in this race with a comprehensive plan to deliver a Green New Deal for New York, and we’re committed to making sure our state meets the climate crisis with the bold policies and resources required.”

Alex Graves and Tyler Hack, Political Endorsements Team Leads at Sunrise NYC said, “Sunrise NYC is excited to endorse Jumaane Williams and Ana María Archila for Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

“The recent failure of the Assembly to pass the Build Public Renewables Act and Governor Hochul’s hesitance in signing the Cryptocurrency Mining Moratorium have made it abundantly clear that New York State needs a change,” they said. “We’re confident that Jumaane and Ana María will bring bold progressive leadership to Albany and will be fierce advocates for environmental justice and the working people of New York.”

Sochie Nnaemeka, director of the New York Working Families Party said, “With communities across New York already facing the devastating and deadly impacts of the climate crisis, the need for bold leadership to protect our planet and people has never been greater.

“The type of inaction or half action we are seeing from Albany on the climate is not an option at this moment,” Nnaemeka said. “Jumaane Williams and Ana Maria Archila’s climate platform demonstrates a clear commitment to meet this challenging moment with the urgency and vision it requires.

“As we approach election day, New Yorkers who care about the environment, planet, and our families’ futures have clear climate champions to vote for in Jumaane and Ana Maria,” Nnaemeka added.