We fight climate change, conserve land and water, and protect public health in New York State through political action.

When the FY27 State Budget – already substantially delayed - finally wraps up, lawmakers will have just over two weeks remaining in the legislative session. Although that leaves little time to advance major policy priorities, several of New York’s most important environmental and public health measures are on the table and ready for action. Earlier this year, NYLCV and Environmental Advocates NY (EANY) announced the following slate of “Superbills” – priority legislation and a major clean energy investment that will receive additional weight in each organization’s annual environmental scorecards and that the groups, alongside a broad coalition of advocates, are aggressively pushing to pass this year.

On Earth Day, the New York City Housing Authority released their 2026 Sustainability Agenda. It comes 10 years after its last agenda, and NYC has made many incredible strides in climate policy since then. Building on the work they have already done, NYLCV is excited about what this agenda proposes and supports the goals set forth. NYCHA sustainability centers on six key priorities: 1) promoting resident health and well-being; 2) addressing NYCHA’s priority physical needs; 3) increasing funding for property upgrades and operations; 4) reducing energy and water usage and greenhouse gas emissions; 5) increasing resiliency to flooding; and 6) increasing resiliency to extreme heat.  Through this, the 2026 Sustainability Agenda commits itself to turn these principles into action with 9 goals that will be accomplished in the next five years, specifying a quantitative target for each goal, and laying out the specific strategies that will be undertaken to reach these targets by 2031. NYLCV dives into these goals below, explaining how NYCHA plans to execute them and what they mean for the environment.

As we near the halfway mark for 2026, NYLCV remains committed to fighting for a sustainable and equitable New York City. Now more than ever, this city has the responsibility to implement policy to benefit both the environment and New Yorkers. From public transportation to battery energy storage bills, lawmakers have several opportunities to show leadership when it comes to fighting climate change.