Climate Change and Energy Policy
Climate Change, or global warming, is the increasing average annual global temperature and is caused by the build-up of unnatural amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG), like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). The science is clear that human activities are contributing to global climate change, and urgent action is needed. While local and state governments are working to reduce emissions, a coordinated federal approach is critical for the United States to transform our behavior, energy use patterns, and economy to meet the challenge of the climate crisis.
Today, dramatic changes in climate are occurring throughout the U.S. and across the planet. Impacts from climate change include increasing intensity of storms, severe droughts, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. We are already seeing degraded fisheries, drought-related water shortages, decreased agricultural yields, increased incidents of heat-related death and illness, and higher asthma rates from increased air pollution. We have to act now in order to curb the effects of climate change and protect our health, environment, and economy.
CCE works at the local, state, regional, and federal level to advance solutions to the climate crisis. We advocate for comprehensive energy policies that support renewable energy (such as offshore wind and solar power) and energy efficiency, while ending our dependence on dirty, polluting fossil fuels.
Read CCE’s 2019 Report Card: How Solar-Friendly are Long Island Municipalities?
Learn about our work to support the Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI), which will address climate change by slashing carbon pollution from the transportation sector
CCE and NYLCV have teamed up for a Lunch & Learn Virtual Educational Series on Innovative Proposals to Bring Clean Energy to Downstate New York. Learn more about the free events, view recordings of past events, and register for upcoming events here.
OFFSHORE WIND
Increased renewable energy production, along with efficiency measures, helps to speed our communities’ transition away from fossil fuels. Offshore wind will play an integral role in meeting the New York’s goals of 70% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% carbon-free electrical generation by 2040. We cannot achieve our renewable energy goals without offshore wind, which is why NY has mandated 9,000 MW (megawatts) of offshore wind by 2035. Some of the strongest and most consistent winds in the country are off of our coasts, and a series of offshore wind farms are slated to make New York a national leader in offshore wind over the coming decade. CCE works to advance responsibly-sited offshore wind development, which stands up to rigorous environmental review and includes meaningful public participation opportunities.
Learn more about CCE’s work with Wind Works Long Island, which is a coalition of environmental, labor, clergy, and community groups, and the force behind educating the Long Island community on the benefits of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind.
CCE sat down with panels of experts for two roundtable discussions on the importance of offshore wind for Long Island and New York State. Watch the informative discussions here.
Hear from prominent voices speaking up in support of offshore wind: Watch the “Voices of Wind” videos
As New York State explores the potential for offshore wind in the Great Lakes, learn more about CCE’s work to provide the public with fact-based information about the potential for offshore wind in the lakes, it’s benefits, and potential impacts.
Hydrofracking
What is Hydrofracking?
To recover natural gas deposits in shale formations, including the Marcellus and Utica, the industry uses a process termed high volume hydraulic fracturing, which uses millions of gallons of water, laced with a cocktail of chemicals, to fracture shale and release gas.
Inherent Risks of Hydrofracking
Communities from Texas to Pennsylvania have been impacted by industrial fracking operations. Fracking activities operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during production. Volumes of toxic, radioactive, and caustic liquid waste by-products pose storage, treatment, and disposal problems. Regular operations, as well as accidents, can adversely impact the environment and public health. Well casings that are intended to prevent methane and toxic liquids from contaminating groundwater are prone to failure. Studies have shown that 6-7% of well casings fail immediately, while 50% fail after 30 years!
New York Victory: In 2015, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo took action to institute a regulatory ban on fracking. In 2020, Governor Cuomo and the NYS legislature took the next step of enacting a law to permanently ban on fracking in NY. This helps ensure that future administrations do not move forward with the inherently dirty and dangerous process of fracking!
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