Manhattan Rally Tells Cuomo: Get Off Fossil Fuels

NEW YORK, NY -- On the sidewalk outside of his morning fundraiser at the Yale Club in Manhattan, dozens of climate activists and community advocates had a message for Governor Andrew Cuomo: The time to get New York off fossil fuels is right now.

As the fifth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy approaches, the groups called on Cuomo to stop fracked gas and oil projects planned throughout the state as a necessary part of a robust clean energy plan.

“The governor who banned fracking should be the same governor to lead a clean energy revolution,” said Eric Weltman, New York organizer with Food & Water Watch. “Governor Cuomo must say no to any and all fossil fuel projects, and lay out a vision for getting 100% clean energy by 2030 in New York state.”

"We can see that dramatic levels of climate change are already happening, with catastrophic hurricanes, floods and wildfires bringing destruction and tragedy to many parts of the world,” said Edie Kantrowitz of United for Action. “It’s no longer enough to promote renewables while still continuing to rely on fossil fuels for a significant portion of our energy needs. The urgency of the situation demands that we get completely off fossil fuels, and that we stop the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. That’s why we are calling on Governor Cuomo to stop the Williams pipeline, the Albany micro-grid, the CPV power plant, the Pilgrim pipelines, and other fossil fuel infrastructure projects being planned for New York."

“Fossil fuels are the cause of environmental degradation in wresting them from the earth, transporting them, and burning them.  We should leave them in the ground,” said Allison Tupper, Chair of the Sierra Club New York City Group.

“The Williams company want to dig a 23-mile long trench across New York Harbor to lay a climate-busting fracked gas pipeline. We don’t need this pipeline, we don’t want this pipeline,” said Sara Gronim, Co-leader of 350Brooklyn. “Governor Cuomo has the power to stop it, and that’s what he should do.”

“Surfrider Foundation NYC is urging Cuomo to oppose the Williams Transco's proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline. This pipeline will further lock New York City into fossil fuel infrastructure. We should be investing in clean, sustainable energy, such as wind and solar, instead of fossil fuels,” said Noelle Picone, Campaign Lead, Surfrider Foundation NYC. “If built, the pipeline will negatively impact air and water quality, pose a huge threat to marine life, and disrupt fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. The estimated cost of this pipeline is nearly a billion dollars, a cost that National Grid customers will have to pick up. There is not sufficient evidence to show a need for this pipeline expansion to justify the threat to our ocean, waves and beaches.”

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