“The recent Presidential Executive Order rolling back the Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan and removing considerations of climate change from federal rule making demands a new call to action for states to take the lead in addressing the very real impacts of climate change. It is no longer enough to set goals; it is time to act.

“In the last few months my office has introduced two new bills that would boost New York State’s role as a progressive leader in climate resiliency. The Carbon Farming Act (A3281) would make New York the first state in the country to establish a tax credit for our farmers by supporting and incentivizing climate smart practices that remove carbon from the atmosphere and sequester it in our soils. This bill offers a carrot rather than stick approach which benefits local agriculture and develops healthier, more resilient and more productive soils through the use of cover crops, no-till systems, compost management and other proven practices.

“Our anchorages legislation (A6825) empowers the state of New York to have more input and control in the siting of proposed anchorage sites for petroleum-bearing vessels along the Hudson River. After decades and millions of dollars spent cleaning up the historic Hudson River, increased drilling, production and transport of Bakken crude oil through the region is putting the river, the local communities and the Hudson Valley at risk. Last year’s industry-driven proposal to increase the number of anchorage sites for oil barges -- despite no evident need -- further threatens tourism, the environment and the safety of Hudson Valley communities. The anchorages bill will give New York the opportunity to assert its jurisdiction over the Hudson with respect to any new locations of vessel anchorage sites.

“In light of yesterday’s devastating announcement, New York must step up its commitment to leading with proactive solutions to the real threats climate change poses to our environment, public health and safety and economy.”