RAC-NY

RAC-NY's Climate Covenant

This initiative is a multi-year campaign to combat climate change and reduce New York's reliance on fossil fuels.

Our focus for 2025 is to ensure that New York State meets its climate goals, especially given New York's impact on global warming as the 10th largest economy in the world. To this end, RAC-NY is advocating for sufficient funding for climate measures and for the passage of two pieces of priority legislation:

1. The NY HEAT Act -- which will gradually reduce the use of gas (a fossil fuel) in NY's homes and buildings.
2. The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act - which will reduce single-use plastics (a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions).

To get involved or for more information, contact RAC-NY Lead Organizer Ben Elkind.

Learn about our work across the country to organize, mobilize, and advocate so that all people can thrive in multiracial, inclusive democracies in North America and Israel.

Climate Change Superfund Act (2024) -- requires oil and gas companies to pay some of the costs of preparing New York State for extreme weather events caused by climate change.

New York Equal Rights Amendment or "Prop 1" (2024) -- enshrines a wider set of anti-discrimination protections in the NY constitution, including the right to an abortion.

All-Electric Buildings Act (2023) -- first-in-the-nation legislation mandating that new construction in New York State be fossil fuel-free.

The "Less is More" Parole Reform Act (2021) -- protects those who have completed their prison sentences from being sent to jail for minor parole violations. 

The Protect Our Courts Act (2020) -- protects judicial integrity by ensuring that every immigrant New Yorker can access state courts without fear of arrest by ICE. 

The Green Light NY Act (2019) -- ensures equal access to driver's licenses for all New York residents, regardless of their immigration status.

• State Organizer: Ben Elkind 
• Follow us on Facebook 
• National RAC Phone Number: 202-387-2800