Relates to creating a climate action council to set greenhouse gas emission reduction goals

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to establishing a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions eighty percent by 2050 and preparing a climate action plan

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill relates to creating a climate action council to set greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 creates a legislative intent.

Section 2 amends article 19 of the environmental conservation law by adding a new title 12 which establishes a climate action council.

Justification

A climate action council would consist of the commissioners of agriculture and markets, economic development, environmental conservation, housing and community renewal, and transportation. This council would assume an educational and practical role in protection of the environment and its natural resources, by setting greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. Greenhouse gas pollutants that accelerate global climate change would be much reduced with the standards set by the establishment of a council.

Although no single action can have the power to ultimately end environmental climate problems, we have a duty and goal to mitigate such problems. The goal of this council is to reduce New York's greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to create a climate action plan.

Prior legislative history

2014: S.7598 - Referred to Envi. Conservation

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.