The New Green Economy

Greening to halt climate change – and for a new economy

As we all struggle to address global warming, the Center for Working Families believes the stage is set for mass-scale greening in New York State, driven and shaped by good public policy. Across the state, communities and local governments are increasingly clamoring for ways to switch to clean energy. New York State’s “15x15” goal has sent state agencies into planning for the production of renewable energy and reduction of energy use.

The big challenges are to make sure that greening happens at scale to make the needed intervention in climate change; and that the benefits of greening reach working and low-income people now – not last. The Center for Working Families is developing policy to meet these challenges:

NY’s housing stock is a critical first stop for greening efforts. Housing is a major culprit in energy waste, and relatively minor interventions can make housing vastly more energy efficient. Equally important, the cost of home energy is making housing more unaffordable than ever. Reducing energy use and performing green upgrades on housing is vital, literally, for keeping a roof over our heads. But even though it makes good sense, it’s not simple: strong leadership and problem-solving is needed to make greening standard for privately-owned housing.

NY’s green investments should mean thousands of good jobs. Billions of dollars, both public and private, will be invested in greening New York State over the next ten years, giving shape to an emerging green economy. Good policy can direct those investments to build well-paying jobs, job training and green career ladders.

Greening is a major economic tool for cities and towns. As local governments tighten their belts, greening works to reduce costs on many fronts. Public investment in upgrading buildings, pavement, vehicles, lighting and more can reduce energy bills for quick payback, and can minimize other needs from sewerage to health care. Energy savings can help avoid cuts in the services that keep communities going.

Combining rigorous research with smart coalition-building, CWF is building good ideas about greening into policy that supports equitable economic development, affordable housing, fair employment and racial justice.

Read here about our exciting policy initiative for mass-scale greening of New York State's housing stock, and the development of a blue-green collar workforce. Read our proposal here.

Read here about our local policy work, supporting the "green-up/costs-down" efforts of counties and towns around New York State. Read model local legislation here.