Read

User menu

Search form

NY State and Local Retirement Fund Campaigns to Divest from Fossil Fuels

NY State and Local Retirement Fund Campaigns to Divest from Fossil Fuels
This article originally appeared on Eco Watch

Grassroots climate activists from New York have launched the NYS & Local Retirement Fund Go Fossil Free Divestment Campaign. This campaign is targeting approximately $150 billion of New York state funds held and administered by the New York state comptroller. A large amount of the retirement fund is invested in fossil fuels. The comptroller is charged with the responsibility of “ensuring that the taxpayers’ money is being used effectively and efficiently to promote the common good.”

Citizens are requesting that our tax dollars stop directly contributing to climate disruption, environmental degradation and human suffering. We want our tax dollars used to promote clean technology for truly sustainable energy. Sustainable energy is far less harmful to the environment, wildlife, human health and well being. Sustainable energy also creates far more local, safe and well-paying jobs, benefiting people and the economy.

The NYS & Local Retirement Divestment Campaign is part of the rapidly growing global Go Fossil Free divestment movement, started by 350.org. All around the world, people are calling upon universities, religious institutions, cities, states and even entire countries to invest their funds ethically and wisely. There are currently over 400 campaigns. As the atmospheric carbon count continues to soar—with catastrophic impacts—rapid divestment is a matter of common survival.

This divestment campaign is also part of New York’s strong, spirited opposition to fracking. Over the past five years, New York citizens have worked tirelessly to keep fracking out of our beloved, beautiful home. While we have been demanding a statewide ban on fracking, we have been continuously advocating for conservation and local, green energy. Recently, the state Assembly passed a two year moratorium, but thus far the Senate has not brought the bill to a vote.

 

3 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

ONE-TIME DONATION

Just use the simple form below to make a single direct donation.

DONATE NOW

MONTHLY DONATION

Be a sustaining sponsor. Give a reacurring monthly donation at any level.

GET SOME MERCH!

Now you can wear your support too! From T-Shirts to tote bags.

SHOP TODAY

Sign Up

Article Tabs

The grassroots opposition to President Donald Trump is hitting the streets everywhere.

It is not hyperbole to say that the world’s richest man has now illegally seized control of America’s checkbook and the entire federal workforce.

Over the next four years, we’re about to be inundated with a flood of lies—including from federal agencies themselves.

We have to be smart in how we fight against Trump and the Republican Party this time around. That means picking our battles wisely, and not taking bait that’s dangled in front of our faces.

Over the next two years, Democrats have the unfettered ability to be an albatross around the neck of the GOP — and to make sure that what little they manage to get done due to their paper-thin majorities becomes the reason for their undoing.

The grassroots opposition to President Donald Trump is hitting the streets everywhere.

Protests are set to take place in several major cities across the U.S. on Monday, the Presidents Day holiday, according to activists.

It is not hyperbole to say that the world’s richest man has now illegally seized control of America’s checkbook and the entire federal workforce.

Over the next four years, we’re about to be inundated with a flood of lies—including from federal agencies themselves.

We have to be smart in how we fight against Trump and the Republican Party this time around. That means picking our battles wisely, and not taking bait that’s dangled in front of our faces.

This last month has shown America that society will gladly tolerate vigilante violence, provided a vigilante chooses the right target.

Posted 1 month 4 weeks ago

Over the next two years, Democrats have the unfettered ability to be an albatross around the neck of the GOP — and to make sure that what little they manage to get done due to their paper-thin majorities becomes the reason for their undoing.

Posted 1 month 1 day ago

Over the next four years, we’re about to be inundated with a flood of lies—including from federal agencies themselves.

Posted 1 week 3 days ago

We have to be smart in how we fight against Trump and the Republican Party this time around. That means picking our battles wisely, and not taking bait that’s dangled in front of our faces.

Posted 2 weeks 3 days ago

The way the urban commons create a space to solve material problems and enable social movements to forge city-wide networks are antidotes to people being attracted towards the far-right.

Posted 2 weeks 3 days ago

We have to be smart in how we fight against Trump and the Republican Party this time around. That means picking our battles wisely, and not taking bait that’s dangled in front of our faces.

The way the urban commons create a space to solve material problems and enable social movements to forge city-wide networks are antidotes to people being attracted towards the far-right.