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Recent events have left our nation reeling. On top of a pandemic that has taken more than 100,000 lives and left millions jobless, the senseless killing of George Floyd and the subsequent protests and demonstrations have left us all searching for answers. Both tragedies have disproportionately impacted people of color and have put a spotlight on our country’s racism. We believe Black Lives Matter and policing and a host of other institutions in America need fundamental reforms. No matter where we live or work, we should all be asking ourselves what we are doing, as individuals, as communities, as businesses, and as organizations to address longstanding social and racial injustices.

A new Michael Moore-backed documentary has been released that examines the climate crisis and the lack of progress made so far in combating the problem. Unfortunately, and somewhat strangely, the filmmakers chose to focus much of their attention erroneously critiquing a leading climate solution—renewable energy.

On behalf of all of us at the ������ý, I hope you are safe and well. It is hard to imagine how much life has changed for so many of us in these past weeks. It’s a time to respect and admire those on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis, their courage and their humanity. And for us, a chance to say “thank you” for your efforts on behalf of a greener, cleaner, safer and renewable power generating system.

We wanted to recognize the COVID-19 pandemic and bring to light that in the future, clean air, sustainable forms of energy, and JOBS, will be critical. Here’s our story:

COVID-19 poses an immediate health risk to New York—and we are met with unprecedented uncertainty as to just how devastating the virus will be. The economic risk to our state also grows greater every day, and a financial crisis is likely to follow this health crisis.

A diverse coalition of environment and clean energy groups has written to state Senate and Assembly leaders urging negotiation with, and support for, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed power plant siting law reform bill. While there is some resistance within the legislature to adding another important policy reform measure to the current budget negotiations, supporters of the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth & Community Benefit Act stress the need to move quickly to achieve the aggressive climate goals passed in last year’s legislative session.