TESTIMONY
Rami Dinnawi on Advocating for Intro 353 and 354 to Promote Renewable Energy and Environmental Justice in New York City
1:35:22
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3 min
Rami Dinnawi advocates for New York City's transition to renewable energy through support for Intro 353 and Intro 354, emphasizing environmental justice.
- Dinnawi highlights the adverse effects of New York City's reliance on fossil fuel infrastructure, particularly in low-income and communities of color.
- Intro 353 is described as pivotal legislation for transitioning to renewable energy by mandating 100 megawatts of solar energy on municipal buildings by 2025.
- Emphasizes Intro 354's role in identifying areas for energy storage systems, essential for a resilient energy future.
- Asserts these bills as critical steps toward a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient New York City.
- Urges NYC Council members to support these bills to lead in combating the climate crisis and ensuring a future of environmental justice.
Rami Dinnawi
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My name is Rami Donawi, and I'm the environmental justice campaign and policy manager at L.
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20.
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L.
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20 is a human rights organization that was founded over 40 years.
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In the south side of Williamsburg known as Los Juarez.
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We are a member of the climate works for our coalition, a coalition of labor community, based environmental justice and climate organizations that have come together to fight climate change and inequality in New York City by demanding a just stringent per workers and environmental as communities.
1:35:48
Today, we've come to support a couple of bills that hold the keep transforming the future of our city.
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As a resident of the city, I witnessed the impact of the outdated fossil fuel infrastructure in our city, particularly in low income neighborhoods and communities of color.
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For far too long, New York City has relied on fossil fuel infrastructure with some of the most harmful facilities disproportionately affecting low income neighborhoods and communities of color.
1:36:14
These areas face multiple environmental burdens compounding the challenges they already endured.
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Intro353, a groundbreaking legislation that mandates our hit the lead, by example, in transitioning to a renewable energy future.
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This bill ensures that the promise of 100 megawatts of solar energy systems on municipal buildings 2025 becomes a committed reality.
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The climate crisis respects no boundaries, and it is our collective responsibility to act decisively.
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By implementing this bill, we not only curb city wide emissions, but also set a precedent for other cities to follow.
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Their urgency is real, and the bill provides a plan for a cleaner, cleaner and more resilient future.
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Some might question the feasibility of such a transition as we've heard.
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However, the bill strategically addresses concerns by requiring the city to prioritize solar installations and public schools, city owned properties, and disadvantaged communities.
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This ensures an equitable distribution of benefits and opportunities.
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Our moral imperatives is clear.
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Environmental justice communities face disproportionate challenges and intro 353 is a crucial step towards addressing these disparities.
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By prioritizing solar installations in these areas, we not only make them equal part in our sustainable future, but also empower them with reduced energy costs, improved air quality, and job opportunities in the green economy.
1:37:34
In addition to supporting intro 353, we must acknowledge the importance of intro354.
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This bill mandates the state identify areas for energy source systems, a critical component of our transition to renewable energy.
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It is essential for the city to prioritize these energy sis these energy storage systems in grid constrained or blackout prone neighborhoods ensuring a reliable and resilient energy future fraud.
1:37:59
I will conclude by saying intro 353354 represent a bold step towards a cleaner, more equitable, and resilient New York City.
1:38:06
By supporting these bills, we affirm our commitment to environmental justice, sustainable energy, and a future where our city leads the way in combating the climate crisis.
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Let's think about the impact on our children, on our neighborhoods, and on our shared future.
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I urge each and everyone of the council to vote on this bill.
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And together, we can be the change that we want to be Do we want to see in our city and beyond?
1:38:33
Thank you.
