Statement from John R. Durso Regarding New York State's Cap and Invest Program

Statement from John R. Durso,  President, Long Island Federation of Labor Regarding NYS's Cap and Invest Program

“Long Island’s working families are on the front lines of our climate crisis and we know first-hand the cost of inaction. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy, and Tropical Storm Isaias, the working people we represent were tasked with repowering our homes, rebuilding our communities, and delivering public services. As such, developing an all of the above new green economy is critical for our union movement.

We look forward to working with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to develop our State’s Cap and Invest program. The revenue generated from this project must be utilized to develop green energy projects that will be built, operated, and maintained by local union workers. Additionally, workers in trade-exposed industries must be prioritized ensuring that New York leads the Nation in a true just transition. We look forward to working with NYSERDA and DEC to ensure the cap and invest program works to achieve our CLCPA goals, while creating good union jobs with family-sustaining wages.”

Photo by Oliver Rich