This week, during Climate Week NYC, Governor Hochul and state agencies announced a series of actions, showing the country what strong state leadership on climate looks like. These actions included the $1 billion Sustainable Future Fund, $16 million in workforce development for the green economy, and a push to move forward on shovel-ready renewable energy projects. DEC also announced 26 newly certified "climate smart communities."

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are an increasingly important and increasingly discussed component of the renewable energy future needed to displace fossil fuels. As we make the transition to wind, solar and hydroelectric power, an important element is how to store electricity when it’s generated but is not needed at that moment.

Greening the grid – a top priority for NYLCV – means replacing greenhouse gas producing power sources, like coal combustion and natural gas, with renewable energy, like wind, solar and hydro power. But it doesn’t stop with power generation; it also means building up transmission capacity to deliver clean energy to homes and businesses across the state.

While New York has made significant strides in advancing clean energy initiatives, there is a critical issue before us, an issue that threatens to slow our progress: increasing costs due to inflation and supply chain issues that could result in dozens of renewable energy projects being canceled.

The Home Energy Affordable Transition Act will enable gas utilities to comply with New York’s climate law while helping customers switch to affordable and reliable zero-emissions heating and cooling. The bill will ensure affordability by capping costs for low-income customers and avoiding billions in costly new infrastructure investments.