At a time when New York should be doing everything it can to reduce our dependence on expensive and dirty fossil fuels, the FY27 State Budget takes us a step backwards. By weakening the Climate Law and further delaying cap-and-invest, this budget  postpones our affordable clean energy future for an extended ride on the fossil fuel roller coaster that’s choking our air and our wallets. 

These candidates understand that strong environmental leadership and strong communities go hand in hand,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “From protecting clean air and water to advancing clean energy, these leaders are prepared to meet the challenges facing New York and help build a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

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. 

Last week, a coalition of New York environmental organizations urged New York’s Public Service Commission to reject a petition from a collection of business organizations to modify or suspend New York’s Renewable Energy Program established as part of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

We are pleased to share NYLCV/EF’s 2025 Annual Report, where we highlight the strides we made in the past year towards a more sustainable future.  As you read, you'll learn about how we’ve continued to fight for clean air and water, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and ensure New York remains a national leader on climate action – from defending offshore wind from a hostile federal government, to repealing the outdated 100-foot rule, to protecting environmental safeguards and empowering New Yorkers to raise their voices.