Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action released the following statement from Founder & CEO, Rabbi Jennie Rosenn:
“Today, Governor Hochul and the NYS legislature agreed to weaken New York’s landmark climate law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), as part of a state budget deal. This reversal is a moral affront and will harm New Yorkers across the state. Rolling back the law will further strengthen New York’s dependence on fossil fuels, increase planet-warming emissions and toxic pollution, and worsen the skyrocketing energy prices that New Yorkers are already paying.
“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, with today’s decision, Governor Hochul has 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.
“Passed in 2019, the CLCPA was crafted over two decades by communities across the state to combat climate and environmental injustice. It mandated New York State drive down emissions swiftly and invest in frontline communities. These new changes to the law will delay the law’s implementation and weaken its emissions standards – taking New York backwards at a time when we must do all we can to transition from dirty, polluting fossil fuels to safe, affordable, and abundant clean energy.
“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.
“At Dayenu, we will continue to organize for a healthier, more just, and affordable New York and call all New Yorkers to join us in this holy fight.”
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Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action aims to secure a just, livable, and sustainable world for all people for generations to come by building a multi-generational Jewish movement that confronts the climate crisis with spiritual audacity and bold political action.
Contact:
Robbie Silverman
robbie@dayenu.org