Julie Tighe is the president of NYLCV and NYLCVEF. In that role, she played a significant role in passing the CLCPA, congestion pricing, and all-electric school buses. She also secured increased funding for water infrastructure and parks, a commitment for citywide curbside composting, and was instrumental in the campaign that led to the passage of the $4.2B Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Bond Act. Previously, she served as chief of staff at NYSDEC.
What is one thing your organization hopes to accomplish in 2024?
We need to act on multiple sectors to fight climate change. 1: Transportation – we need a clean fuel standard to slash our use of dirty diesel and fund electrification. 2: Buildings – We must turn off the gas spigot and start the clean heating and cooling transition with NY Heat plus start to build thermal energy networks. 3: Energy – we need bolder offshore wind goals – and speed up transmission, because there is no transition without transmission!
Do you have any advice for someone looking to pursue a career in your field?
Take the win. Don’t make the perfect the enemy of the good. There will always need to be compromises but don’t forego a win today so you can get an incrementally bigger win tomorrow. You don’t stop fighting to get to the end zone when you get the first down. But it’s a lot easier to score the touchdown when you keep moving the chains down the field.
What is one thing everyone can do to help protect the environment?
We say this often at the League: Our Vote is Our Power. The most important thing you can do to protect the environment is to vote. In every election. We can only do so much as individuals. Elected officials are the ones who can deliver systemic policies that will–or won’t–protect our environment and stem the tide of climate change. By voting for candidates who prioritize the environment, we can help ensure a sustainable and just future.
What can policymakers do to aid in your organization’s work?
The League advocates for policies and initiatives that protect our air and water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote clean energy. We need policymakers to educate themselves on these issues and partner with us to adopt more sustainable policies and practices. And if they don’t, we’ll hold them to account!