Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 7/19/21-7/23/21

 

Dear Community,

Throughout the last few weeks, it has been impossible to ignore the consequences of the climate crisis impacting communities across the globe and here in District 34. 94% of the Western US is in drought, China and Germany are flooding, New York City has been covered in smoke from the West, and we have experienced nothing but extreme heat, rain, and storms this summer. Just this month, New York City was heavily impacted by extreme weather conditions and communities – in particular Black and Brown communities in upper Manhattan and the Bronx – were devastated by flash flooding. 

This is a wake up call. As the threat of climate change continues to grow and cause an increase in sea levels, extreme weather such as what we witnessed both here and abroad will only become more and more prevalent. Climate change can no longer be a topic of debate— it is an emergency. These instances serve as a reminder that we must take greater actions to combat climate change and build greener infrastructure, on both a state and federal scale.

Unfortunately, the state legislature failed to pass any substantial legislation on climate change this past legislative session. If we want to combat this problem and ensure that our infrastructure can withstand the effects of it, then we must pass legislation that properly addresses climate change. One piece of legislation that must be prioritized next session is the Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA). The CCIA aims to tax corporate polluters to raise billions of dollars to create green jobs and invest in climate justice. The passage of this bill would allow for us to achieve our climate goals and ensure that New York is a national leader in combating climate change. 

Until we prioritize these pressing matters at a federal, state, and city level, we will only continue to witness the disastrous effects of the climate crisis. I am committed to collaborating with legislative and community leaders to tackle this issue and fight for climate justice. 

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi