Al Stirpe is running against Mark Venesky for NYS Senate. Mark Venesky has not responded at this time. Al Stirpe’s answers are below.
| Climate Action Survey Questions | Al Stirpe (Dem) |
| Do you agree that there is a nearly unanimous agreement among scientists studying climate that burning fossil fuels is the primary cause of global warming leading to the climate crisis? Do you accept that scientific conclusion? | Yes. Absolutely. |
| Do you believe that climate change is already adversely affecting your district? Please give examples of such effects. | Yes. We have had significant flooding in recent years in the Northern part of the district, as well as seasonal high lake levels across Central New York. |
| What priority would you assign to climate change matters? | I work on many issues that have what seems to be a more immediate impact on my district, like good-paying jobs and small business issues (I am chair of the small business committee), but none are as important for the future of the region and the world as climate change. |
| Do you support a carbon tax? Please explain. | As a way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, I am supportive of financial incentives, including punitive fines and targeted taxes on certain consumption. |
| If so how would you use the money raised? If not, how would you allow the market to reflect the impacts of burning fossil fuels? | I would direct any funds to be used to mitigate the impact of climate change, as well as make the investments to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. |
| Do you support building more nuclear plants? Please explain. | No. But I do feel that the current nuclear plants in our state help us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and should be part of our energy-production portfolio until they are no longer needed. |
| Would you support rejoining the Paris Climate Accord? | Yes. Absolutely. |
| Would you support measures to immediately reduce the release of methane a very potent greenhouse gas from drilling, pumping and refining sites throughout the state? | Yes. |
| Do you support incentives for renewable energy development? | Yes. |
| Do you support a changeover to electric vehicles? If so how would you do so? | I would. We need to \investment in the infrastructure needed, as well as create more incentives for electric vehicle purchase. We also need to improve battery technology. That is the biggest obstacle to market viability of electric vehicles. |
| New York State has enacted one of the most ambitious climate changes laws in the nation, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. How would you support its implementation? | I voted for it, and I will continue to support the investment needed to make it reality. |
| Energy Conservation through efficiency standards and building codes is essential to lower greenhouse gas emissions. How would you support these efforts? | I have authored and supported legislation that encourages green building standards and that promotes energy efficiency. I will continue to do so. |
| If elected, what steps would you support to address global warming at the state level? | |
| Would you support banning fracking for oil and natural gas in NYS? | I have supported New York’s current moratorium on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. |
| Would you support divestment from the fossil fuel industry by the State Pension Fund? | I have had many discussion with the comptroller about this. I have supported divestment, but know that we have work to do to convince others that this would not hurt the performance of the pension fund. |