Albany, NY — New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), passed in 2019, stands as one of the nation’s most forward-thinking climate initiatives. Despite this, it has encountered significant resistance from proponents of traditional energy sources. With its bold mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% before 2050, the legislation not only sets a precedent but also enforces accountability among state officials to meet these critical environmental targets.
Earthjustice, an environmental legal advocacy group, has been pivotal in deploying the CLCPA to oppose and shut down polluting gas-powered plants throughout New York. Their work extends to supporting policies promoting environmental health, such as the contentious congestion pricing plan in New York City. Liz Moran, Earthjustice’s first New York policy advocate, plays a crucial role in this movement, tirelessly striving to defend and promote complementary environmental legislation like the NY Heat Act.
Moran’s environmental advocacy journey began as an undergraduate at the State University of New York when she voiced opposition to a proposed tuition hike. Her advocacy captured the attention of legislative staff and firmly set her on a path of public service and environmental activism. Over the years, Moran has gained significant ground in working with various stakeholders to push forward substantial environmental initiatives, including the multibillion-dollar Clean Water Infrastructure Act.
As climate anomalies increase in severity, the urgency for robust climate action grows. New York, having suffered from extreme events like Hurricane Sandy in 2012, understands the steep cost of inaction. Sandy brought devastating floods that claimed 44 lives and inflicted billions of dollars in damage, highlighting the state’s vulnerability to climate disruptions.
In 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed legislation that threatened to dilute the rigorous standards set by the CLCPA. Moran opposed this move vehemently, contending that it would benefit gas industries at the expense of the state’s environmental obligations. Despite facing accusations of climate alarmism and disputes over potential costs, Moran and her colleagues managed to sway public and political opinion against the amendment.
This victory was seen as a significant win for environmental groups, demonstrating the efficacy of sustained advocacy and public pressure. Earthjustice has also used the CLCPA to challenge and prevent the operation of fossil-fuel-based power plants in regions like Queens and the Hudson Valley, where communities suffer from poor air quality and high asthma rates.
In Long Island, Earthjustice is contesting the state’s decision to renew a permit for one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters under current laws, asserting that such decisions contravene the mandates of the CLCPA. This stance is supported by groups like the Long Island Progressive Coalition, highlighting Earthjustice’s commitment to not only leading environmental action but also empowering local communities.
As New YorkState continues to lead in climate legislation, activists like Moran are pushing for further laws, such as the Climate Change Superfund Act passed in 2024 and the NY Heat Act, aiming to curtail energy bills and reduce building emissions. Outside New York, Earthjustice utilizes similar state laws across the United States to advocate for clean energy and environmental justice.
Moran underscores the importance of such laws stating they empower advocates to hold the state accountable and truly convert longstanding environmental rhetoric into action. “Because we have this law, we can push the state to live up to the rhetoric it’s had for years,” Moran noted, asserting New York’s role as a leader both nationally and internationally in climate action.
This proactive approach to environmental advocacy shows the importance of legal frameworks and community involvement in addressing climate challenges. While significant progress has been made, the drive for further action continues as environmentalists work tirelessly to safeguard our planet for future generations.
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