To the Governor and State Legislature:

To meet the in-state energy production goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), enacted in 2019, we urge you to include the Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA) in this year's New York State budget. 

Our businesses depend on a stable, sustainable, and thriving economy. The CCIA will transform the way that we power our economy, while holding at its center a just and equitable transition for the communities most vulnerable to the climate crisis. 

1. Keep Our Money Here.

New York businesses, residents, and local governments spend about $60 billion annually on energy, and nearly two-thirds is spent importing fossil fuels into New York. That $40 billion supports other states' businesses, infrastructure, schools, and jobs.
 
By imposing a fee on corporate polluters and switching to solar and wind production at home, those energy dollars would drive investments in our local economy instead.

2. Everyone Benefits. 

Everyone across the state benefits from a just energy transition. The CCIA would raise $15 billion per year, enabling critical state investments in energy efficiency, infrastructure, and community-based organizations working to ensure more households benefit from the energy transition. 

3. Jobs Where We Need Them.

In its first ten years, the CCIA would create more than 150,000 jobs with fair wages, high labor standards, and long-term job security. It would also provide direct assistance for families that need it most, including low-income households and fossil fuel workers. 

4. Build on New York's Climate Leadership.

The CLCPA established New York as a national leader on the clean energy transition. Rather than replace the state's aging fossil fuel infrastructure, the CCIA raises the funds to invest in New York's local projects and growing renewable energy industry. With no funding, we'll just keep sending money (and good jobs) elsewhere.