💔Disrupting New York State’s Lovefest With National Grid
The Public Service Commission Facilitates, Not Regulates Fossil Fuels
Another outrageous transfer of money from our pockets to National Grid’s fracked gas investors
Last week, the Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a drastic rate increase that will force downstate New Yorkers to contribute an additional $5 billion to National Grid, a UK-based corporation. Despite universal public opposition to providing more financial support to the fossil fuel industry, this controversial decision, which will take effect starting September 1, will harm New Yorkers to bolster National Grid's financial standing and benefit its largest shareholders, including powerful investment firms like JP Morgan and BlackRock.
Who does Hochul’s Public Service Commission (PSC) actually serve?
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is meant to regulate monopoly utilities in the public interest. Instead, it greases the wheels for the transfer of money from New Yorkers into the coffers of National Grid and its shareholders. Despite our relentless fight against National Grid's deceit and government abuse, the PSC's approval of this rate case signals, once again, their prioritization of corporate profit over protecting the public and upholding the state’s climate law.
We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore
At last week’s hearing, we witnessed firsthand Governor Hochul's administration ignoring the state’s climate law mandates for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and decided to disrupt the PSC meeting. While the Commission accused activists of being inappropriate, we asserted that in approving the rate case, they were showing their true colors as climate deniers and shameless corporate shills.
Hot Off The Press
Monday, City Limits published a piece about the rate hike and how we will pay to be poisoned as a result. This story, the product of almost a year’s work, features voices from the frontlines of the effort to shut down the toxic Greenpoint LNG Depot and fight for a healthier future for all.
“It sounds like it should be good for you because they call it natural gas. But it’s not good for you at all,” Shauria Rivera, Cooper Park Houses resident
We will turn this around in the upcoming months. Join us in the battle against the corporate utilities that serve as gateways to a fossil fuel economy!
We will continue to work with activists, experts, and legislators to shut down the Greenpoint LNG depot, reclaim the land on which the facility sits, oppose the expansion of the Iroquois pipeline, and take on corporate giants like National Grid.
You can make a difference by participating in upcoming events, such as canvassing to raise awareness about toxic LNG tanks and sustainable solutions. Together, we'll champion public power and work towards a more equitable, sustainable future. Here are a few events to mark on your calendar.
🗓️ Sat. Aug 24, 12:00 pm: From Dublin to NYC, We Say NO to LNG #StopLNG
Join us in the Flatiron District this Saturday at the public technology sculpture linking Dublin and New York City. The NYC-Dublin Portal is a soundless, live video feed produced by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys, whose aim for the project is "to meet as humankind together and recognize that we are all inseparably connected, flying on this tiny spaceship called Earth."We agree! Our friends across the Atlantic Ocean at XR Ireland also oppose toxic LNG (Liquefied "Natural" Gas) projects on their shores.
Join us for a creative, brief action:
FROM DUBLIN TO NYC WE SAY NO TO LNG!
🗓️ Thurs., Sept 5, 6:00 pm Walk and Roll Tour of NYC's Largest Fossil Fuel Depot
🚨 Join us for an info session and walking tour with the No North Brooklyn Pipeline Alliance and Sane Energy Project!
🗓️ When: Thursday, September 5th at 6:00 pm
📍 Where: McGolrick Park, Greenpoint
Learn about NYC's largest fossil fuel depot, located in North Brooklyn, and how we can transform it into 120 acres that serve the community, not corporations. Let's retire toxic gas systems and fight for an energy system that protects our health and planet. 🌍
🗓️ Tue. Sept. 24: Major Rally at NYPA for Public Renewables!
🌍 Five years ago, New York State set bold climate goals: 70% renewable energy by 2030. But with private industry lagging, New Yorkers passed the Build Public Renewables Act in 2023, empowering the New York Power Authority to lead the charge.
Now, Kathy Hochul is stalling, protecting fossil fuel interests instead of directing NYPA to build the renewables we need. She’s even admitted we won't hit our 70% target—a clear violation of the law.
📅 On September 24th, we're rallying at NYPA's HQ in White Plains to demand action. Let's make sure Hochul hears us loud and clear: Unleash the People's Power and build 15 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030!
🗓️ Save the date: Sept 15 - Say NO to Governor Hochul's Climate Arson
🔥 The heatwave might be over, but the hottest summer on record isn't done with us yet. 🌍 Meanwhile, a report shows we’re falling short on our climate goals, and the Governor is calling them "unattainable."
But New Yorkers don't back down. We fight back. 💪 That’s why we need YOU to join us in demanding a new plan for public power!
📅 Mark your calendars for September 15th. We’re rallying in NYC to urge Hochul to unleash the People's Power and build 15 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030. Let's make sure she hears us loud and clear!