Noted Climate Scientist Bob Howarth Endorses Anna Kelles
“I endorse Anna Kelles for our State Assembly seat being vacated by Barbara Lifton. Lifton has been a powerful, effective voice for our district and for the State, and she will be sorely missed. Many strong candidates have come forward to run for this seat, but Anna Kelles stands out.
“I have been in many meetings with Anna in recent years, and know she is smart, articulate, and always well informed. She is progressive on a variety of issues and supports universal single-payer health care, housing as a fundamental right, affordable childcare, and mandatory vaccines. Most importantly to me, Anna understands that we are in a climate crisis, and she is committed to a green transition.
“Last year, New York passed one of the most progressive climate action laws in the US, thanks in part to Barbara Lifton’s effort. The new law sets ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving to renewable energy – and promises to do so in a way that is equitable.
“To reach these goals will require much work and constant vigilance. Anna fully understands this, and knows that informed leadership from Albany is needed if New York is to move away from natural gas infrastructure and take steps such as electrifying transportation and home and business heating. We are going to need a clear plan for economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19 and Anna has the strongest green infrastructure and workforce development plan to help us through this crisis.
“I am confident Anna Kelles can help provide this leadership, and if elected will well represent the citizens of Tompkins and Cortland Counties.”
Bob Howarth
For identification, Howarth is a professor at Cornell University, an Earth system scientist, and an expert on how methane emissions from natural gas contribute to climate disruption. He is also an expert on renewable energy policy and is a member of New York State’s Climate Action Council, the body charged with implementing the new climate action law.
