Two weeks ago, we addressed the Central Community from our virtual bimah, announcing the launch of The Central Climate Initiative, a group of six climate concerned Central teens. In our sermon, we spoke about our support for and strategic advocacy work around the Renewable Rikers Act.

We are thrilled to announce that on Thursday Feb 9, the New York City Council passed the Renewable Rikers Act. This is a huge step forward for our city’s decarceration and decarbonization efforts. The Renewable Rikers Act outlines a phased transfer of Rikers Island from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services with input from an advisory committee. Together, they will evaluate and enact environmental uses for the island such as a possible renewable energy farm which is being researched in a feasibility study also outlined by the act.

Renewable Rikers will turn a place of hurt and pain in our city into a place of healing and hope for the future. The act ensures that there will be no people detained on Rikers Island after August 31, 2027. While this is a huge step in the right direction, the work has just begun. Over the next few years, advocates must hold the city accountable to ensure the island is used for environmental causes. Today we celebrate this win and tomorrow we continue this work together.

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