Today, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (D-Sag Harbor) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled to limit the scope of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) power to address climate change in the case of West Virginia v. EPA:

Assemblymember Fred Thiele said, “At a time when the impacts of climate change are becoming more disruptive and jeopardizing the safety of millions of Americans, this ruling will severely curtail our ability to reduce carbon pollution from power plants and regulate the energy sector. The recklessness of this decision by our nation’s highest court cannot be understated.

In New York State, we took steps of our own to create a more sustainable future for the next generation. In 2019, I helped pass the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, the most comprehensive climate legislation in the nation, to lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy. Furthermore, the 2022-23 state budget provides significant investments to help reach these ambitious goals, from advancing environmental conservation efforts to expanding the use of electric vehicles. In addition, we have taken a leadership role in developing offshore wind as an alternative to fossil fuels.

The First Assembly District has the most coastline in New York and is at the greatest risk from sea level rise and climate change. We know that the climate crisis is already here and that its effects pose a dreadful threat to Long Island and to our state.

For this reason, I will continue to step up and fight the impacts of climate change. I also urge Congress to act swiftly to correct this Supreme Court’s decision. Here in New York and Long Island, we will work collectively to reach our ambitious climate goals.”