REPORT: New Poll Shows Broad, Statewide Support for New York’s Climate Act
To Meet New Yorkers’ Expectations that the Climate Plan Will Work, the State Must Fund and Implement It
New York leaders must equitably implement Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act by funding $1 billion People’s Climate Justice Budget, key legislative priorities like NY HEAT Act, Climate Change Superfund Act
New York State – New polling data released by NY Renews and Global Strategies Group finds that the majority of New Yorkers (64%) support New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, a figure that soars to 72% when voters learn about the specific details of the plan. Most New Yorkers expect the Climate Act will improve their lives, but that will only happen if the State passes the laws necessary to fully implement it.
The report, released by NY Renews, a statewide coalition of over 370 environmental justice, faith, labor, and community groups, reveals robust support for the climate plan, even among traditionally skeptical demographics such as Upstate voters and Independents. This broad base of support underlines the need for rapid, equitable implementation of the Climate Law via the People’s Climate Justice Budget, a $1 billion climate spending plan designed by and for community groups statewide, as well as key legislative priorities including the NY HEAT Act, Climate Change Superfund Act, and the Just Energy Transition Act, collectively known as the Climate, Jobs, and Justice Package.
These insights underscore a fundamental belief among New Yorkers that implementing the CLCPA can substantially improve their lives.
“New Yorkers from all parts of the state support the State's climate law and believe it will work to improve their lives. But their expectations will only be met if the State passes the bills needed to fund and equitably implement the plan, said Stephan Edel, Executive Director of NY Renews. “They can see the impacts of climate change on their lives. They can also see that there are solutions available to us if we work together. New Yorkers know the Climate Law was hard fought and built on the experience of real communities to meet real needs. They can see past the fear-mongering and misinformation, and they know that we can create more jobs, and healthy, thriving communities as we address the climate crisis through the state’s climate law.”
Global Strategy Group’s Andrew Baumann, who conducted the poll, said, “New York voters overwhelmingly support the state’s climate plan because they believe it will have a positive impact not only on climate change, the health of families like theirs, and future generations of New Yorkers, but on the state’s economy as well.”
Jasmine Gripper, Co-Director of NY Working Families Party, said, “Extreme weather and climate change are a growing threat to our communities. This latest poll shows wide-ranging support for New York’s climate law from New Yorkers across the state. We have an opportunity to solve the problems of pollution, unsafe homes, and environmental racism by funding and implementing New York’s climate plan. To safeguard the future of our communities, we have to take action today.”
Rosemary Rivera, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York, said, "The poll says what we know from organizing on the ground: New Yorkers overwhelmingly know about the climate crisis and want the Governor and the Legislature to develop real solutions to address it. The Legislature and the Governor need to listen to low and moderate-income New Yorkers and provide at least $1 billion this year for the local climate initiatives prioritized by NY Renews, from housing to greening the State Capitol, based on input from impacted community members in every corner of New York State. They also need to pass NY HEAT, so that all New Yorkers have access to clean and safe heating and cooling in their homes, and the Climate Change Superfund Act, so that big oil companies cover some of the costs of the damages they've caused to our communities due to their decades-long promotion of fossil fuels."
Eunice Ko, Deputy Director of New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, said, “New York City residents—especially those living in Disadvantaged Communities—are facing the dangers of the climate crisis, extreme weather, and toxic pollution in the here and now. This poll shows that as New Yorkers upstate and downstate across race and political leanings learn about the climate law and its benefits, they only become more supportive of it. New Yorkers understand that these issues are connected, and that action today will improve the quality of life of today and safeguard the future of tomorrow.”
Elizabeth Yeampierre, Executive Director of UPROSE, said, "In the heart of our communities, from bustling city streets to upstate towns, New Yorkers have spoken with a clear, united voice. A striking 64% stand with us in championing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, a figure that leaps to 72% when the depth of our vision is fully embraced. This isn't just about policies; it's about our people, our survival. It's a mandate for bold action - to fund the People's Climate Justice Budget and enact crucial legislation. We're not just advocating for change; we're nurturing a movement rooted in justice and equity."
Poll respondents expressed overwhelming confidence in the Climate Act’s effectiveness in addressing climate change and holding corporate polluters accountable. They also believe that the climate law is capable of safeguarding the health and livelihoods of their families while ensuring a sustainable future for future generations. The poll found a positive view of the law’s influence on the economy and jobs in the state, as well as the long-term and short-term financial well-being of families. Respondents also anticipate the positive effects of the Climate Act’s full implementation on their ability to afford, purchase, and use desired appliances and vehicles.
