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Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (D-Tompkins, Cortland) sent a letter Wednesday, signed by 50 Assemblymembers, to Governor Cuomo calling for a significant carve-out of funding for energy efficiency work in all homes and buildings across the state.

"To meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, reducing energy usage in all homes, businesses, institutions, and government buildings across the state makes eminent sense as a first step," said Lifton. "Thirty percent (30%) of statewide emissions comes from buildings, and today I call, along with my colleagues, for $2 billion – from the Clean Energy Fund or any other appropriate source -- to be used for a huge weatherization, insulation, and energy efficiency program across New York. This program will significantly reduce emissions, reduce electricity bills for everyone, and create many good jobs in every community in the state," Lifton stated.

"The warnings of prominent scientists to 'wake up and take urgent action' in the face of a looming global climate crisis, compels New York to expand its energy and building efficiency programs to reduce New York's contributions to climate change and bring the ambitious goals of the CLCPA within reach. The proposal in my letter, with the support of many Assembly colleagues, will greatly reduce our energy demand at this critical time," Lifton concluded.

"I am pleased to join with Assemblywoman Lifton in support of her request that $2 billion be allotted to energy conservation measures," Assemblyman Phil Steck (D, IND, WFP, 110th AD.). "It is imperative that we take immediate action on climate change. We do not have the luxury of allowing our budget to be merely aspirational on this threat to the future of humanity."

"New York's existing building stock accounts for almost 56% of the state's current greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), presenting a key opportunity to begin significant reductions GHGs to meet the aggressive targets set forth in the CLCPA" said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. "Energy efficient retrofitting of buildings including weatherization, insulation, and a transition to renewable heating sources will reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by a startling 30- or 40-percent. I stand with Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton and my colleagues in ensuring that the state is investing the necessary resources to meet our ambitious energy goals," said Assemblywoman Pat Fahy (D-Albany).

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