Statement from Dayenu’s Founder & CEO, Rabbi Jennie Rosenn:
While we are not surprised that the NYS legislature carried through with Governor Hochul’s directive to weaken the state’s landmark climate law, we are angry about this disastrous decision.
We are dismayed that lawmakers did not have the sense to pay attention to the realities of the global fossil fuel market – skyrocketing oil prices, ravenous data centers, an ongoing war with no end in sight – and that they did not realize that THIS is the moment to invest in the transition toward renewable energy. To ensure affordable and reliable energy supplies for millions of households.
We are angry that the legislature chose to ignore the very real and loud voices of constituents from all walks of life who showed up to support the CLCPA, which is the law of the land. Dayenu participated with a broad coalition of organizations and individuals in demanding that the Governor not cave to fossil fuel interests and the White House: we rallied, marched, organized mass letters from clergy and constituents, t and lobbied at the State Capitol in Albany. The people of New York do not want the state to back down from its commitments to a just and livable future.
And we are dismayed that the legislature has abdicated responsibility to protect and strengthen the frontline communities (largely Black, Brown, Indigenous, and low-income) that have for generations suffered the worst impacts of fossil fuel projects, as well as climate disasters. Households in these communities will experience worsening pollution of air and water, along with higher rates of disease and early mortality.
Jewish tradition teaches “Ma’alin ba-kodesh v’ayn moridin”: Once we set out upon a holy path – toward a renewable energy future – we rise, we do not descend. We must keep going toward progress, not destruction. Unfortunately, Governor Hochul and the state’s legislative leaders have taken New York off the holy path of progress, doing the bidding of corporate polluters instead of making New York a leader in addressing the climate crisis and advancing renewable energy solutions.
Governor Hochul is a person of faith and a self-described “social justice Catholic.” As fellow people of faith, we know that renewables are not only the healthy, safe, and affordable choice, but the moral choice. Governor Hochul’s decision to dilute and delay the CLCPA contradicts the very values our communities of faith espouse.