Joint Statement from Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO, and Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council

Manhattan, NY - While the union movement remains fully committed to reducing emissions and advancing clean energy development, affordability and reliability are serious concerns. The CLCPA needs to be amended.

But we cannot let this be an excuse to stop the development of projects needed to achieve clean energy goals. We must redouble our efforts to find solutions. Substantial short-term investment combined with reasonable, measured amendments to the CLCPA, will accelerate decarbonization.
The alternative is failure where energy costs rise, jobs are lost and the public turns against decarbonization, setting us back generations.

The clean energy transition is the largest infrastructure project of our lifetimes, and it is important we get this moment right. We are committed to continuing to work with the Governor and the Legislature on responsible energy policies that address these concerns while supporting and creating good union jobs. This partnership is vital for building a resilient and inclusive clean energy future.