For immediate release: February 12, 2019

Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for Governor in 2018, submitted testimony to today to a legislative hearing on climate policy.

“Climate science indicates that industrial states like New York must build out a 100% decarbonized clean energy economy by 2030 if the world is to preserve a climate that remains safe for human civilization. The climate clock is ticking down. Strong climate legislation must pass this year,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins spoke at a news conference on Monday in support of the Green New Deal for New York Act, which the lead sponsors, Sen. James Sanders and Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, announced at the event. The bill would set up a task force to develop a plan and corresponding legislation within one year to achieve 100% clean energy by 2030 in a just transition that secures all New Yorkers’ rights to good jobs, income, and health care.

Hawkins and the Green Party of New York also support the New York Off Fossil Fuels Act, which proposes a more detailed framework for achieving a just transition to 100% clean energy by 2030.

Hawkins urged the committee to combine the best provisions of all climate bills that have been introduced in a climate bill for adoption this year.

Hawkins’ testimony was given to the Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation, which is holding a public hearing today in the state capitol to discuss the Climate and Community Protection Act (CCPA). The current draft of the CCPA delays a 100% reduction in carbon emissions until 2050.

Hawkins’ full testimony.