Join us for New York Solar Jobs Days
Posted May 10, 2012 in Green Enterprise, Solving Global Warming
Summer is nearly here, and we’re urging Albany to put more of that New York sunshine to work already! It’s time to show lawmakers that solar power is a priority for New Yorkers.
We’re teaming up with an incredible group of organizations to do just that at free community events up and down the state. These New York Solar Jobs Days will feature fun solar demos, training from solar job experts, opportunities to talk with local solar companies, and plenty of ways to show your elected official that you care.
Get some sun at the New York Solar Jobs Day nearest you:
New York Solar Jobs Days are a joint project of Vote Solar, Natural Resource Defense Council, Pace Energy & Climate Center, Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Solar Energy Industries Association, New York Solar Energy Industries Association, Citizen’s Campaign for the Environment, Workforce Development Institute, Apollo Alliance, New York League of Conservation Voters, Renewable Energy Long Island, Vision Long Island, The Alliance for a Greater New York, People United for Sustainable Housing, Center for Working Families, Sierra Club, Environment New York and Environmental Advocates of New York.
Without strong state policy providing a clear roadmap for growth, solar currently accounts for far less than 1% of New York’s electricity. Even so, it’s provided many New Yorkers with clean energy, bill savings, and a rare bright spot of economic opportunity through the recession economy.
Just imagine what could be accomplished with real leadership from Albany. The New York Solar Jobs Act proposal, for instance, would make the Empire State a clear solar leader with a goal of deploying 3,000 MW by 2021.
Join us in calling on our lawmakers for solar action. In this fight, there’s nothing as powerful as the voices of real New Yorkers.
P.S. – Can’t make it to a New York Solar Jobs Day in person? Send a little virtual sunshine to lawmakers with an email of solar support here.
[Cross-posted from the Vote Solar Initiative]
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Comments
Wayne Dederick — May 10 2012 08:34 PM
A9149A has 80 co-sponsors in the NY Assembly and S4178A has 36 co-sponsors in the Senate, both bills have the support of a majority of the members. Who are the people that are stopping these bills from moving on for a floor vote ? Possibly it is time for the NYLCV and Vote Solar to make it known what members are stopping the Solar Development and Jobs Act from becoming law.
Pierre Bull — May 11 2012 03:21 PM
Hi Wayne,
You are correct on the head count for each of the bills in the NY Assembly and Senate. And indeed this does add up to a majority of votes in both houses. The critical question you ask re: "people who may be stopping these bill from moving toward a floor vote," is what we are working on as a coalition to overcome. And as things go in Albany, it's not so much of a 'stopping' problem as much as it is an educational opportunity for leadership to get comfortable with the bill mechanics and continued grassroots and business & institutional support to send the message that demand for solar is robust and far-reaching throughout the entire state of New York.
Wayne Dederick — May 12 2012 08:20 PM
The leadership of the Senate has had three years to become educated on the Solar Development and Jobs Act. Is it possible that campaign donations from the Business Council is interfering with the learning process ? If I sound frustrated, I am. Climate change is real and the Solar Development and Jobs Act will not only reduce green house gas emissions it will also create jobs. Possibly the old quote, " Nero fiddled while Rome burned." is quite appropriate for our Albany leadership !
peter mcmahon — May 13 2012 10:43 AM
I receive polite replies from my state senator about the Solar Energy and Jobs act indicating his support. This has been going on for two/three years. Obviously one of the big three(Cuomo, Skelos or Silver) is blocking this. If it is the Republican faction because of some allegiance to “old energy” or other contributors, I am more than willing, as a registered Republican, to abandon my support for my senator (Bonacic) and support with contributions the removal of any other member of my party that puts influence ahead of doing what is best for the future of the state they were elected to service. Three years “debating” this issue when our neighboring states forge ahead is a travesty.