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Saturday, September 4, 2021
Councilman Mark Gjonaj's NYC Moving Forward Week in Review - 9/3/2021
124 Days and Counting
I'm going to have to spend this Labor Day weekend with some of my contributors if I am going to run for Governor. I hope this Tropical Storm doesn't hurt my developer friends. They want to build, build, and build more. When I leave office the people will say that Bill de Blasio was the best mayor New York City ever had.
I still have almost four months left, and where did the time go. It seems like only yesterday I was campaigning for Mayor, after being the Best Public Advocate New York City ever had. So Jumaane stay as the Public Advocate for the next eight years, and you should be he next Mayor after Eric Adams.
Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2021
More Than 80% of New Yorkers 18 and Older Have Received at Least One Vaccine Dose
67,962 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours
28 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday
Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.
"We continue to keep a close eye on the numbers, and while we know we've come a long way in beating back the virus and getting a good number of New Yorkers vaccinated, our work is not yet done, my friends," Governor Hochul said. "COVID is still out there, and we cannot get complacent because we all know what it's capable of. If you still need to get vaccinated, it's imperative that you do so as soon as possible because your safety and the safety of others is on the line."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
- Test Results Reported - 157,302
- Total Positive - 5,030
- Percent Positive - 3.20%
- 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.28%
- Patient Hospitalization - 2,359 (+5)
- Patients Newly Admitted - 298
- Patients in ICU - 532 (+8)
- Patients in ICU with Intubation - 260 (+0)
- Total Discharges - 193,930 (+252)
- New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 28
- Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 43,697
The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.
- Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 55,654
This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.
- Total vaccine doses administered - 23,921,319
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 67,962
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 388,164
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 77.8%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 70.4%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 80.3%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.1%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 65.6%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 59.1%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 67.9%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 60.6%
Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 8/30/21-9/03/21
Dear Community,
I hope you and your loved ones are all doing well and staying safe in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida. Unfortunately, our district and the surrounding areas suffered from record breaking rain and flooding, with Morris Park and Throggs Neck the hardest hit areas in the Bronx. My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the storm, and I send my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives as a result of it.
My office and I want to offer any assistance that we can provide at this time. If you have lost power, experienced damaging flooding, or need any other assistance due to the tropical storm, please fill out this form so that my office and I can properly assist you.
In the midst of this week’s devastation, I am also grateful to announce some good news. The New York State Legislature convened on Wednesday to meet the urgent needs of struggling tenants and small landlords across the state by voting to strengthen and extend New York’s eviction moratorium to January 15th, 2022. The Legislature also passed legislation to appropriate $250 million New York’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), and expand the reach of ERAP to assist even more New Yorkers. This extension of the eviction moratorium and enhancements to ERAP will provide desperately needed relief to the communities in District 34, as well as hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers across the state.
I strongly encourage anyone eligible to apply for ERAP to ensure that you receive the proper rental relief. Under ERAP, applicants are protected against eviction as their application is processed. Additionally, if you are approved, you are protected from eviction for a year. For more information about protections available under ERAP, visit this link.
I am incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish in this special session, and look forward to continue fighting for housing justice for all.
With Gratitude,
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi
Bronx Dems - Save the Date: Grillin' & Chillin' Sunday September 19th
Save the Date
Join JAG Dems, Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner, and Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson for a BBQ celebration on Sunday, September 19th from 3-6pm. The event will take place at the Andrew Freeman Home, 1125 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY, 10452. To RSVP, email jagdems@gmail.com. |
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Governor Hochul Reminds Motorists to Buckle Up and Drive Safely in Labor Day Holiday Weekend Travel
Announces Suspension of Road and Bridge Construction During Holiday Weekend
Traffic Volumes Expected to Be High
Construction-Related Lane Closures Limited to Ease Travel
Motorists Urged to Slow Down and Move Over for Roadside Emergency and Maintenance Vehicles
New York's Seatbelt Compliance Rate Remains High
Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded motorists to buckle up and drive safely as they hit the road to enjoy the long holiday weekend, and to ensure children are properly restrained in vehicles. According to AAA, traffic volumes nationally have rebounded from 2020 and are expected to remain high through Labor Day.
The Governor also announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. on Friday, September 3 to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7, to ease travel throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend. Motorists should be aware that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The construction suspension aligns with New York State's Drivers First initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.
"Many families are embarking on road trips for the end of the summer season, so traffic on our roadways will be heavier than usual," Governor Hochul said. "Motorists should plan ahead and take all necessary steps to ensure they and their passengers will be as safe as possible. We want everyone to have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend with happy memories and not have anyone's holiday marred by a needless tragedy. Please obey all traffic safety practices and laws, move over for maintenance and emergency vehicles, put down your phones, and drive sober."
The Governor reminds motorists to follow the state's Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow down and safely move over for law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and construction or maintenance vehicles that are stopped along roads across the state.
Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state's efforts to reduce distracted driving. All text stops will remain open, providing a location where drivers can safely and conveniently use their phones and other mobile devices for calling, texting, navigating and accessing mobile apps. Texting while driving is especially dangerous, as it requires motorists to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a seat belt in the front seat of a passenger car can reduce the risk of death by 45 percent and reduce the risk of serious injury by 50 percent. Based on NHTSA data, the national seat belt use rate is 90 percent. In New York, the seatbelt compliance rate has remained above 90 percent for the past decade.
Governor Hochul urged motorists to ensure that children traveling in their vehicles are restrained properly. As part of the GTSC's Child Passenger Safety Program, state and local police agencies, along with various community safety partners, offer free child car seat inspections by certified child passenger safety technicians year-round. GTSC maintains a list of child safety seat events on its website. As of November 1, 2020, everyone in passenger vehicles, regardless of where they sit, needs to wear a seat belt or be properly restrained in a child safety seat.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee of New York Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "As we take to the roads for one last summer adventure, I urge motorists to drive safely during this heavy travel weekend. Avoid distractions, move over for emergency vehicles, do not speed and never drive impaired. One of the most important things drivers and passengers can do is to buckle up, as studies have shown that seat belts, when used properly, are the single most effective way to protect oneself in a motor vehicle crash. I am pleased that that the vast majority of New Yorkers continue to buckle up."
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "New York State's Drivers First initiative helps New Yorkers reach their holiday destinations with the least amount of disruption possible. While you are traveling our roadways please remember to do so safely, don't text and drive, don't drink and drive, wear your seatbelt and stay alert. Please obey work zone signs and move over for roadway workers and emergency vehicles, our DOT family deserves to get home safely to enjoy their families too."
New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, "Motorists traveling this Labor Day weekend will have fewer delays and will be able to get to their destinations faster, with the suspension of construction related lane closures. We want to remind drivers that due to the service area redevelopment project, 10 service areas are closed along the Thruway for renovations, so please plan your stops accordingly. Fuel services remain open at all locations, and no two consecutive service areas are closed in the same direction of travel. We hope all New Yorkers have a safe and happy Labor Day."
State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, "While the suspension of roadwork for the holiday weekend should help ease traffic delays, drivers are reminded that they need to do their part to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely. Please obey posted speed limits, put away smart phones, buckle up, and stay focused and alert. State Troopers will be highly visible throughout the weekend and as always will have zero tolerance for anyone who drives recklessly."
The Governor also stressed the importance of planning ahead before travel and being prepared in the event of a crash, breakdown or other emergency. Before leaving, take care of routine maintenance such as tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks, and tire rotations, and make sure you have emergency supplies, including a first aid kit, flashlight and jumper cables. It is a good idea to plan your route ahead of time, checking weather, road conditions and traffic, and to let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.
Vehicle owners should also check before traveling to see if their vehicle has been recalled and needs to be repaired. NHTSA's VIN lookup tool lets you enter a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to quickly learn if a specific vehicle has not been repaired as part of a safety recall in the last 15 years. You can also sign up to receive email recall alerts.
The Department of Motor Vehicles urges drivers to use the Have a Plan app to help find a safe way home from a celebration where they may be drinking. The free app from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation allows users to designate a driver, call a cab or ride share, and to review the consequences of impaired driving. Users can even use the app to report a drunk or drugged driver. The app is available for Apple, Android, and Windows smart phones.
Follow DMV on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Travelers can check NYSDOT's 511NY before traveling, by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on iTunes or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.
Follow New York State DOT on Twitter: @NYSDOT and on Facebook at New York State Department of Transportation.
The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails, which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.
Follow the Thruway Authority on Twitter: @NYSThruway and on Facebook at New York State Thruway Authority or download the Thruway's free mobile app.
Reps. Bowman and Meng Lead Bipartisan Letter to Biden Supporting Swift Approval of Additional Federal Resources for New York After Hurricane Ida
Following President Biden’s quick approval of an Emergency Disaster Declaration for New York, Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Grace Meng today led a bipartisan and bicameral letter to President Biden asking him to also expedite the approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for the state as soon as it is requested by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The additional declaration would allow more FEMA resources to be made available to New York for help with recovery efforts from damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, including direct relief for individuals and small businesses. Governor Hochul is currently taking the necessary steps to make an anticipated request for a Major Disaster Declaration.
“We thank President Biden for moving swiftly to approve the Emergency Disaster Declaration,” said Reps. Bowman and Meng. “We now urge him to follow through with the next step, and quickly approve a Major Disaster Declaration as well. The needs of New Yorkers continue to grow, and we must make sure that we receive the largest amount of federal assistance possible.”
President Biden approved the Emergency Disaster Declaration for New York late Thursday after receiving Governor Hochul’s formal request for assistance. His approval also came after Bowman, Meng and other members of New York’s congressional delegation from both parties and both houses of Congress urged him to immediately grant the governor’s request.
Joining Reps. Bowman and Meng on the letter are Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Antonio Delgado (D-NY), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Mondaire Jones (D-NY).
Friday, September 3, 2021
Trinitarios Gang Member Charged With Murder Of A Confidential Informant
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Dermot Shea, Police Commissioner for the City of New York (“NYPD”), and Stuart K. Cameron, Acting Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department (“SCPD”), announced that WILLIAM JONES, a/k/a “Principe,” was charged with the murder of a federal confidential informant. JONES was arrested yesterday and will be presented today in Manhattan federal court. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Edgardo Ramos.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “William Jones allegedly participated in the premeditated murder of Frederick Delacruz solely because Delacruz had the courage to cooperate with law enforcement. The indictment and arrest demonstrate that this office and its partners will be relentless in our pursuit of anyone who seeks to harm a witness to a crime.”
FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “Those who witness crimes and cooperate with the government to keep our communities safe are vital to our work in arresting criminals and holding them accountable for their criminal acts. Mr. Jones may have allegedly thought murdering an informant would make his problems go away. But violence is never the answer. Instead, he’s now facing up to a lifetime in federal prison for allegedly murdering a man who would have testified against him.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “Nearly two years ago in eastern Long Island, William Jones allegedly fatally shot a confidential informant who was a fellow Trinitarios gang member. But our NYPD investigators and law enforcement partners worked together from the beginning, never giving up, and we welcome these federal charges by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York to achieve some measure of justice in this case.”
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Stuart K. Cameron said: “The ability for individuals to come forward and work with law enforcement is a critical pillar in police work. Those who have the courage to come forward should be confident their safety is of the utmost importance when pursuing alleged perpetrators of violent crimes, like William Jones. We hope this arrest will reinforce the partnership between members of law enforcement and those who put themselves at risk to provide valuable information in criminal investigations.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:[1]
In or around December 2019, JONES, who is a member of the Trinitarios street gang, and others agreed to kill Frederick Delacruz, who was a member of the Trinitarios and also a confidential informant for law enforcement. On December 28, 2019, JONES and others drove Delacruz from the Bronx to Suffolk County, where they caused Delacruz to be shot and killed.
JONES, 43, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with two counts of conspiracy to murder a federal informant, each of which carries a maximum penalty of death or life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison; two counts of murder of a federal informant, each of which carries a maximum penalty of death or life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison; and murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the NYPD, and the Suffolk County Police Department. She also thanked the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Senator Julia Salazar - Emergency Response to Tropical Storm Ida/Respuesta de Emergencia a la Tormenta Tropical Ida
Dear Neighbor,
Yesterday, Mayor Bill DeBlasio visited our district, on Knickerbocker Avenue in Bushwick, which was flooded by a torrential downpour that flooded streets and homes all over the city of New York. While I was in Albany voting to pass urgent legislation, our staff joined the mayor, other local elected officials and community members. We were all informed that assistance is available for you, our constituents and neighbors in Brooklyn who have been impacted by this storm. The city is currently working with federal agencies on disaster declarations to bring more Relief Aid.
Below is a list of resources to meet immediate concerns about Tropical Storm Ida:
First, for any Property Damage please use 311 Online, or call or text 311.
Contact the NYC Comptroller’s Office here to file a claim within 90 days of the incident.
Flooding:
Street Flooding:
- Contact the Department of Environmental Protections and file a claim through their website here
Small Businesses:
- Contact the Small Business Services Emergency Response Unit at (212) 618-8810
Fallen Tree:
- For Large Branches or Tree Removal, file a claim through the New York City website here
Power Outage:
- To report loss of power or to file a Con Ed Power Outage Claim, visit their website here
- To report downed power lines and outages to Con Edison, call (800)-752-6633.
Vehicle:
- If you left a disabled vehicle on a highway or NYC street due to the flooding, contact 311 to relocate your vehicle.
For any additional questions concerning Tropical Storm Ida, please contact my office by phone at (718)-573-1726 or email us at senatorsalazarsoffice@gmail.
With gratitude,
Senator Julia Salazar, SD18
City Parks Foundation - Tennis Great Daniil Medvedev Q&A With City Parks Foundation Kids
CITY PARKS FOUNDATION HOSTS VIDEO Q&A WITH CURRENT WORLD #2 DANIIL MEDVEDEV WITH QUESTIONS FROM LOCAL NYC KIDS ENROLLED IN CITYPARKS LACOSTE TENNIS ACADEMY
The City Parks Foundation was proud to host a Q&A session with current world #2 player Daniil Medvedev who answered questions from the CityParks Lacoste Tennis Academy junior tennis players ahead of the US Open, where he has been enjoying a successful run. Topics in the Q&A included advice for competitive juniors that are hoping to play professional tennis, motivations to make it on a pro tour, specific people who inspired Medvedev to be a great tennis player, preparations for tournaments like the US Open, off-court training routines, and what it's like being a professional tennis player and the current #2 in the world. The Q&A was hosted by City Parks Foundation Director of Sports, Mike Silverman and Keith Kambourian, 2019 USTA Long Island Tennis Professional of the Year & award-winning coach directing the Lacoste Junior Tennis Academy who was just honored at the City Parks Foundation 23rd annual tennis benefit.
The full Q&A session can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=
CityParks Tennis provides free tennis lessons to children, ages eight to 17, in over 20 parks throughout the five boroughs. The program, one of the largest free municipal tennis programs in the United States, makes tennis instruction freely available to those who want to learn the game in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Lessons for youth are offered at all skill levels. Opportunities include free beginner lessons, tournaments, leagues, excellence programs and special events. CityParks Tennis runs through August 23 and concludes with a fun tournament for beginners held at the Central Park Tennis Center on August 23 and the BNP Paribas Aces Tournament for intermediates held at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on August 19.
For more information and a full list of City Parks Foundation’s 2021 summer sports programs, please visit cityparksfoundation.org/play
Generous private support for CityParks Tennis is provided by The Thompson Family Foundation, The New York Community Trust - The George and Valerie Delacorte Fund, The Linda B. and Howard S. Stern Family Foundation, the Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation, The Venable Foundation, the USTA Foundation, USTA Eastern, and the Irwin Weiner Charitable Foundation. CityParks Tennis presenting program sponsor is BNP Paribas and supporting program sponsor is Lacoste. Presenting sponsor of the Aces tournament is BNP Paribas and the official apparel sponsor is Lacoste. Lacoste is also the title sponsor of the Lacoste Tennis Academy. Generous private support for CityParks Golf is provided by The Linda B. and Howard S. Stern Family Foundation, the Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation, American Seniors Golf Association, and The Venable Foundation. Lacoste and The First Tee are supporting program sponsors.
About City Parks Foundation
At City Parks Foundation, we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community building and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs — located in more than 400 parks, recreation centers and public schools across New York City — reach 310,000 people each year. Our ethos is simple: thriving parks mean thriving communities.
Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2021
More Than 80% of New Yorkers 18 and Older Have Taken at Least One Vaccine Dose
64,961 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours
28 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday
Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.
"We are not through this pandemic yet, and vaccinations are the key to keeping our friends, families and neighbors safe so we can rid ourselves of COVID-19 for good," Governor Hochul said. "Millions of New Yorkers have taken the vaccine and it's safe, free and effective. Everyone eligible who hasn't taken the shot yet should do so right away—that's how we move beyond COVID-19 and rebuild our state for a brighter future."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
- Test Results Reported - 180,218
- Total Positive - 6,010
- Percent Positive - 3.33%
- 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.26%
- Patient Hospitalization - 2,354 (+35)
- Patients Newly Admitted - 330
- Patients in ICU - 524 (+25)
- Patients in ICU with Intubation - 260 (+5)
- Total Discharges - 193,678 (+288)
- New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 28
- Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 43,667
The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.
- Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 55,654
This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.
- Total vaccine doses administered - 23,853,357
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 64,961
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 382,134
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 77.5%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 70.3%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 80.1%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.0%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 65.4%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 59.0%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 67.7%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 60.4%
42 Members of Congress Send Letter to House Leadership Urging Action on Fossil Fuel Polluters in Reconciliation Package
42 members of Congress urged Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Majority Whip James Clyburn to include an assessment of past greenhouse gas emissions by fossil fuel companies in the reconciliation bill.
In their letter, the supporting members of Congress encouraged leadership to prioritize the addition of the groundbreaking proposal led by Sen. Chris Van Hollen in the Senate and Rep. Bowman in the House, the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act – a piece of legislation that would require the largest climate polluters to pay at least $500 billion into the Polluters Pay Climate Fund based on their respective percentage of global emissions. Co-leading the letter with Rep. Bowman are Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY).
A large, bipartisan majority of Americans believe fossil fuel companies must be held responsible to address the climate crisis they were mainly responsible for creating. These companies have benefited from a business model that has generated trillions of dollars in profits but also catastrophic levels of greenhouse gas emissions. After engaging in decades of harmful conduct, these companies must begin to pay for the enormous climate costs the nation faces.
“This week, Hurricane Ida devastated lives and homes in my district and across the country. And that was just the latest in a long series of environmental catastrophes including storms, chronic flooding, and extreme heat, which have disproportionately harmed Black and brown communities that have been redlined and marginalized for decades,” said Rep. Bowman. “Climate change is an emergency, and we know exactly who is responsible: the fossil fuel industry. As we finally begin to invest the trillions needed to protect each other, heal our communities, and transform our society for the better, we also need to make sure that those companies start paying for their pollution. I’m proud to be leading dozens of House members in calling for a polluter pays assessment in the reconciliation bill, and working with Sen. Van Hollen, other Senate partners, and grassroots groups to get this over the finish line.”
“One-third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the modern era can be directly linked to only twenty fossil fuel companies. From devastating flooding caused by storms like Hurricane Ida to increasingly extreme wildfires and heatwaves, the American people have been left to suffer the consequences of fossil fuel companies fanning the flames of the climate crisis,” said Rep. Nadler. “On behalf of our children and grandchildren, it’s time to put the health and well-being of our families over the fossil fuel industry. By including the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act in the reconciliation bill, Congress can ensure that the costs of federal response to the climate crisis are no longer borne solely by the American people. It’s time for fossil fuel companies–which have never been forced to account for the damaging costs of their greenhouse gas emissions–to pay their fair share and help our nation tackle this crisis head on.”
“For years, fossil fuel companies have made trillions in profits while spewing carbon pollution that wreaks havoc on our environment and harms the public health,” said Sen. Van Hollen. “As we saw just this week with the impact of Hurricane Ida, every American is paying the price for climate change – from rising health costs to increasingly expensive climate mitigation efforts for everything from flooding to droughts to sea-level rise. Our idea is simple: those who pollute should pay to help clean up the mess they caused – and those who polluted the most should pay the most. I appreciate the leadership of Rep. Bowman on this issue in the House as well as the support of over 40 of our House colleagues to include this provision in the budget reconciliation process. I’ll be pushing my Senate colleagues to adopt this common-sense plan to help tackle the costs of climate change.”
Signing on to the letter are Reps. Jamaal Bowman. Ed.D, Nannette Barragán (D-CA), Karen Bass (D-CA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Cori Bush (D-MO), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Mondaire Jones (D-NY), Ro Khanna (D-CA), John Larson (D-CT), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Andy Levin (D-MI), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Grace Meng (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Marie Newman (D-IL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Peter Welch (D-VT), Dina Titus (D-NV), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).