Bone-chilling cold did not deter hundreds of climate activists from showing up for a day of action at the New York State Capitol on January 22, 2025. Dayenu joined a broad coalition of groups organized by NY Renews rallying to demand climate action in the new legislative session.
Together, we called out Gov. Hochul’s delays on climate action with a mass mobilization and lobby visits to 40 key elected policymakers. State Legislators addressed us at a rally on the “Million Dollar Staircase” before the lobby visits.
The night before the rally, 70 activists joined an online teach-in about the new NY campaign for 2025.
Quotes from speakers below the photos
Photography by Ken Schles
Quotes from the day’s events
“Climate change severely affects underserved New Yorkers, who are the least equipped to endure the effects of heat waves, poor air quality, and environmental disasters. We must Fund Climate now – and secure investments in, and justice for, our communities in crisis,” said Senator Samra G. Brouk (SD-55).
“We cannot afford to continue to pay for the damage caused by the big corporate polluters who are causing the damage. It’s time to move forward together as a united government to make a program that effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions, generates revenue that can be reinvested into the state’s economy (supporting sustainable development and job creation), and prioritizes investments in disadvantaged communities to ensure that those who have disproportionately experienced the effects of climate change experience sufficient benefit to create equity in the program benefits,” said Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles (AD-125).
“As people of faith, we have a sacred obligation to care for the most vulnerable. Black, Brown, Indigenous, the Elderly, our loved ones with chronic respiratory illnesses and low-income families are bearing the brunt of a climate crisis they did little to cause—this is an injustice we cannot ignore. Protecting our communities is not just an environmental issue; it’s a moral one, and bold action is needed now to fund clean and renewable energy and secure a just and sustainable future for all,” said Rev. Mira Salawni-Joyner, Minister For Justice, Advocacy And Change, Riverside Church
“So much of my teenage experience has been dedicated to my preparation for the future, from college applications, to making long-lasting friendships, but what future am I preparing for? One where my home is being flooded and my family and friends are facing death or injury from extreme weather exposure? I need the Fund Climate Campaign to make preparing for the future not futile,” said Alice, 16, a student from the Teen Climate Justice Program at Sixth Street Community Center.
“The transition to a clean, sustainable economy is New York’s biggest opportunity to create jobs and bolster our economy. By investing billions in the Climate Action Fund, we can create tens of thousands of jobs, advance organized labor in the energy sector, and ensure those jobs have gold star labor standards. Aggressive investments in climate action are the best way to move working class New Yorkers away from climate destruction and towards good jobs, clean air, and lower utility costs,” said Theodore A. Moore, Executive Director of ALIGN.
“We face the harsh reality where people are being marketed technology like solar and heat pumps, but can’t even afford their mortgage payments; people who are desperately trying to live a better life, but aren’t given the decency of any tools to move forward. New Yorkers are facing an energy and housing crisis that’s only getting worse. The good news is we know what needs to be done. We must fund climate solutions that help all New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable,” said Daphany Rose Sanchez, Executive Director, Kinetic Communities.
“In 2019 we laid out a vision to protect our communities…to shut down peaker plants, to prioritize environmental justice. We cannot let anyone stop this vision from happening. So we need to be bold…We need courage from governmental officials to ensure that we implement Cap and Invest, ensure that we get to the 15 gigawatts of renewable energy that we want,” said Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages (AD-22)
“I join NY Renews in calling for a Fund Climate Spending Plan that will champion community-led climate justice solutions, increase energy affordability, and repair dangerous housing conditions,” said Assemblymember Harvey Epstein (AD-74), “We are seeing a constant threat of climate change-driven disasters which will only continue to grow in frequency and severity as the climate crisis worsens. We must take action now to mitigate the impact of climate change and promote a sustainable future for our state.”
“It is essential for New York to maintain its leadership in the fight against climate change. We must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, create a healthier environment for our children, and decrease energy costs for consumers by investing in renewable energy sources. Achieving these goals requires sufficient funding. I urge Governor Hochul to ensure that this year’s budget includes funding for these vital climate initiatives,” said Senator Rachel May (SD-48).