The New York City Council passed Intro 353, also known as the “NYC Public Solar Power” bill, by an overwhelming supermajority of 48-0 during Climate Week. This bill, which was the priority of the Climate Jobs coalition’s “Carbon-Free and Healthy Schools” campaign, requires the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and related agencies to install 150 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic solar panels on city-owned buildings, such as public schools, by 2035 (100 MW must be installed by September 2030). It now awaits the Mayor’s signature to become law. The Building Trades of New York City also secured an agreement to have this work completed under a union contract.
Ahead of the City Council’s vote on Thursday, September 26th, union members rallied on the steps of City Hall with environmental advocates and the bill’s co-sponsors. Examining Board member Manny Yllescas spoke on behalf of Local 3, IBEW as both a union electrician and a lifelong city resident. Senior Assistant Business Manager Christopher Erikson Jr., Executive Board member Tanya Ferguson, JIB Safety Director and Lobbyist Cornelius Skeahan, and a dozen Local 3 members participated in the rally as well.
“The passing of Intro 353 – championed by Council Member Sandy Nurse – marks a solid step forward for our City to continue addressing the climate crisis head on,” Business Manager Christopher Erikson said. “While prioritizing disadvantaged communities most affected by the worst consequences of the climate crisis in this bill, Local Union No. 3, IBEW and our signatory contractors look forward to the work opportunity of installing 150 megawatts of solar on city-owned buildings and properties, putting union members who earn family-sustaining wages and benefits to work while growing our ranks with new apprentices from those very same communities and offering them a life-changing opportunity. This bill raises the standards of solar work in New York City, and the officers and members of Local Union No. 3, IBEW commend Councilmember Nurse, the entire Council, and Climate Jobs NYfor ensuring green jobs are union jobs.”
