A top labor organization leader in New York on Tuesday was selected by Gov. Kathy Hochul to serve on the state's panel addressing climate change issues. 

Longtime New York AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento was appointed to the Climate Action Council, which is in charge of developing policies and recommendations for the overall effort of transitioning the state to cleaner and more renewable forms of fuel and energy. 

"I am proud to announce that Mario Cilento's extraordinary record of service to working New Yorkers will continue with his appointment to the Climate Action Council," Hochul said. "Confronting the existential threat of climate change will require the contribution of New Yorkers from all walks of life. Organized labor has been a steadfast partner for the State in this fight and Mario will be an exemplary representative for the community."

New York is required to transition to cleaner forms of energy under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, a law that sets benchmarks for the transition as well as goals for reducing emissions. 

Many of the changes will effect the energy sector of the economy, including wind and solar construction jobs along the way. 

"I am honored to serve on the State's Climate Action Council," Cilento said. "I look forward to being part of a team committed to addressing climate change in a way that will result in the creation of good, family-sustaining jobs utilizing a highly skilled workforce. We have already set a high bar by securing historic labor standards that include prevailing rate, labor peace, Buy American, and Buy New York when renewable energy credits are awarded on large scale projects. As a member of the council, I will ensure that the voices of all working people are fairly represented."