For Immediate Release: February 15th, 2023
Contact: press@socialists.nyc
With the passage of the Build Public Renewables Act in the Senate, New York took a vital step toward the sustainable and pro-worker future our state needs. We’ve been proud to work with labor and working class New Yorkers across the state to fight for this bill, which will transform New York into a global model for clean public power.
Today’s vote is a welcome signal that the State Senate, unlike Governor Hochul and her allies, is committed to an energy transition that benefits workers, guarantees we build the clean energy grid we need, and creates an energy system that serves New Yorkers — not shareholders. While Governor Hochul has backed a knockoff version of BPRA — one that failed to consult with labor before gutting the original bill’s “exceptional” labor language — the Senate has made it clear New York will not accept anything less than the full BPRA New Yorkers have overwhelmingly demanded.
While this is an important first step, the fight for a state that puts New Yorkers’ needs above the interests of the billionaire class is not over. We cannot settle for an energy plan that treats labor protections as disposable, or a state budget that leaves New Yorkers struggling to get by. As the budget process moves forward, we will continue to work with our allies in Albany and in the streets to pass the real BPRA, to #TaxTheRich, and to fund the childcare, social housing, education, and public goods that will help all New Yorkers — and the state as a whole — thrive for generations to come.
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ABOUT NYC-DSA: New York City Democratic Socialists is the local chapter of Democratic Socialists of America—the largest socialist organization in the United States with over 85,000 members. NYC-DSA is run by its 5,000+ members and activists who are working together to build a democratic socialist organization in the five boroughs.