JCAN NYC’s 2025-2026 platform falls in three areas as follows:
1. Move Governor Hochul to do more to advance renewables and end fossil fuel expansion. The governor wields substantial power in shaping the state’s climate budget, and she oversees key regulatory agencies, including the Public Service Commission. We believe that Gov. Hochul has power this year to make meaningful policy and program decisions and will therefore devote significant attention to influencing her. As part of this effort, we will pursue the following activities:
a. Continue to oppose new gas pipelines.
b. Advocate that the NY Power Authority (NYPA) increases its commitment to develop renewable energy from 7GW to 15 GW by 2030.
c. Urge a better NY State Energy Plan. This plan covers the next 15 years, but in its current iteration falls very short of what we feel is needed to meet the state’s CLCPA commitment.
d. Urge Governor Hochul to sign the NY Heat Act as passed by last year’s legislature, thus rescinding the 100-foot rule.
e. Continue to support issuance of the full regulations for the Cap and Invest program to fund the transition from fossil fuels to renewables.
f. Collaborate with three other climate organizations to send a letter to the Governor on behalf of the NY Jewish community, urging her to adopt policies and programs that build renewable energy in the state and reduce carbon emissions.
2. Double down on climate action in NYC once the outcome of the city’s mayoral contest has been settled and our next mayor’s priorities are clear. As part of this, we may:
a. Promote the Green Healthy Schools program as a member of the Climate Works for All coalition. Among other things, this program would improve HVAC systems in schools, put solar panels on the roofs of school buildings and create good green jobs.
b. Strengthen and enforce Local Law 97. Our strategy for this will depend on the results of the November NYC mayoral election.
3. Advocating for the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which came close to passage in Albany last year.