NYers Impacted by Climate Change Descend on Albany Following Trump’s Exit of Paris Agreement

The following was submitted by Environmental Advocates of New York (EANY).

Albany – Days after President Donald Trump’s immoral and dangerous decision to renege on the Paris Climate Agreement, residents from across the state descended on Albany advocating passage of the Climate & Community Protection Act (CCPA).

Events throughout the day were highlighted by the stories of New Yorkers directly impacted by Superstorms, heat waves, and record flooding, united in one message: time is running out to save New York from the worst impacts of global warming.

Residents called on the Governor and legislators to pass the CCPA – the nation’s strongest climate, jobs, and justice legislation. Video can be seen here.

Michele Gilliam, Campaigns Director, TWU Local 100 said, “In the wake of the decision on the Paris Accord, we must come together as New Yorkers to make our state lead the way in the fight against climate change, and for good-paying climate careers. By locking our climate goals into law, the CCPA will ensure that we continue to create thousands of 'climate jobs' in transportation and energy for years to come. New York's leaders need to make this bill a priority!”

Judy Sheridan Gonzalez, President, NYSNA said, “President Trump's decision to exit the Paris Accord was an attack on the lungs and futures of our children. Climate change is a public health crisis, and here in New York we can lead the way in fighting it by passing the CCPA. Failing to do so would put our state's health at grave risk, not to mention leave serious jobs on the table.”

Wes Gillingham, Program Director, Catskill Mountainkeeper said, “My vegetable farm in Sullivan County was destroyed by what was considered a 500-year flood. Climate change has created a ‘new normal’ with increased frequency of extreme weather events that previously were defined as 100-year, and even 1,000-year occurrences. Our farm experienced two 100-year floods and the 500-year flood in a five-year period. The climate has changed. Now, as we face more and more ridiculous federal policies coming out of Washington, we need to step up to protect New York cities, small communities and our farms. Our future depends on strong climate policy like the CCPA being put into law as soon as possible.”

Dan Sherrell, Campaign Coordinator, NY Renews said, “When Superstorm Sandy hit, it trapped my 94 year old grandmother in her apartment in the Rockaways, without power, for three days. This issue is personal for me, as it is for the many New Yorkers who are livid with the Trump administration's complete abdication of responsibility. The Governor and the legislature can step into that leadership vacuum and build on the policies New York already has by passing the CCPA this session."