The most interesting thing to me about the list of the most climate-resistant states in America is how consistently they are each working to fight the climate crisis. Tiny Rhode Island is not going to stave off climate catastrophe on its own, but nonetheless plans to use 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Western New York, with our Great Lakes proximity, should be high on the list of climate-resistant areas. (Flood-prone New York City may keep the state off the list.) New York, too, has renewable energy goals, if more modest.
We should be able to welcome climate migrants with better policies than we have now. It’s a travesty that the All-Electric Building Act didn’t make it to the floor this session, held up by Assembly Leader Carl Heastie. All-electric construction with efficient air source or geothermal heating and cooling reduces stress on the power grid and eliminates toxic greenhouse gases.
It’s also time for New York to support retrofits that get the gas out of existing buildings. Homeowners can’t be on the hook for these expensive renovations on their own. But they should be enjoying the benefits of better respiratory health and lower energy costs.
Let’s welcome Texans and Floridians to our climate-friendly, progressive climate policy state.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
