“While the federal government retreats from its commitments, New York is stepping up by investing in clean air, good-paying jobs, and healthier communities,” read NYLCV’s statement in reaction to Governor Hochul’s announcement on the details of the Sustainable Future Fund. “From heat pumps that make our homes more efficient, to zero-emission school buses for kids, to investments in renewable energy that will reduce pollution and strengthen our grid, the Sustainable Future Fund delivers bold, tangible benefits for New Yorkers.”
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.
The $1 billion Sustainable Future Fund was not the only headline of the week, but it was certainly the biggest. The fund, which was first announced as part of the FY26 state budget, was designed to accelerate the state’s clean energy transition and deliver benefits that New Yorkers can feel immediately.
Key components of the Sustainable Future Fund include:
- $50 million will be allocated to the EmPower+ program to provide low- and moderate-income residents with no-cost home energy assessments and energy efficiency upgrades.
- $50 million will be used to help under-resourced public schools across the state decarbonize their building portfolios.
- $200 million is dedicated to expanding thermal energy networks, which use a system of pipes to share heating and cooling resources among multiple buildings. (SUNY Purchase, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Stony Brook)
- $150 million will support the launch of a new Green Small Buildings Program, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) to assist eligible homes with making energy-efficient upgrades, including heat pumps.
- $250 million to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (including $100 million for electric school buses and charging infrastructure)
- $200 million will be provided to the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to finance multiple renewable energy generation projects.
NYLCV is especially proud to see $200 million dedicated to expanding thermal energy networks at SUNY Purchase, SUNY Buffalo, and SUNY Stony Brook. These cutting-edge projects have been a top priority for the Leagues as they represent one of the most transformative ways to decarbonize our buildings with the help of union labor.
[Take Action: Thank Governor Hochul for investing in New York’s clean energy future here.]
These are more than climate solutions, these actions are powerful drivers of economic progress and in-state jobs, which is why we were so pleased that later in the week the governor announced an additional $16 million dedicated to workforce development. That includes $12 million for NYPA to support NYSDOL’s clean energy training programs, including EV maintenance and depot charging.
DEC will receive $4 million to fund its Green Jobs for Youth program, which provides grants in environmental justice communities and prepares young New Yorkers for green careers.
This investment helps ensure that renewable energy built for New Yorkers, is built by New Yorkers. For those interested in a deeper dive into just one aspect – though a telling one – of New York’s green economy, check out our new Offshore Wind Supply Chain map highlighting the over 900 companies contributing to New York’s offshore wind sector.
Governor Hochul also announced a timely push to meet growing energy demand and take advantage of expiring federal incentives by fast-tracking shovel-ready renewable energy projects.
To advance late-stage solar, wind, and other renewable projects, NYSERDA launched the 2025 Land-Based Renewable Energy Solicitation.
“NYSERDA’s plan to accelerate the construction and deployment of renewables is a critical step forward that will cut pollution, create good-paying jobs, and make our communities healthier and our grid more resilient,” said NYLCV President Julie Tighe.
“New York’s current pipeline of large-scale renewable energy is comprised of 102 solar, land-based wind, hydroelectric and offshore wind projects operating and under development that will deliver over 9.7 gigawatts of clean power to the grid when completed – enough energy to power over 3 million New York homes,” state the announcement. “The development of projects as a result of this solicitation is expected to spur over five billion dollars in clean energy investments and create more than 2,500 family-sustaining jobs in the energy economy across New York.
The first deadline associated with the solicitation comes on October 21, when eligibility applications are due. Visit NYSERDA’s website for more information.
Finally, we are thrilled to see New York continuing to empower local governments to take climate action through its Climate Smart Communities Program. On the occasion of Climate Week, the Department of Environmental Conservation announced that 26 new communities were certified as Climate Smart Communities, including seven achieving the program’s highest silver certification.
NYLCV/EF has long advocated for communities to pursue Climate Smart certification for the simple reason that these local actions are proven to help save energy, reduce flood risk, and address extreme heat. The sustainability projects are tailored to each community and often provides benefits to historically underserved neighborhoods.
In February of this year NYLCV Senior VP Josh Klainberg spoke about the program to a group of municipal leaders and climate experts from around the state at the New York Association of Towns Annual Meeting & Training School. For municipalities seeking guidance, NYLCVEF’s Climate Smart Communities website offers tools, technical support, and information about funding opportunities.
The full list of the 26 newly-certified communities is included in the Department of Environmental Conservation’s announcement.
Climate Week may be over, but the work is far from done. With three months remaining in 2025, NYLCV is urging Governor Hochul to repeal the 100-Foot Rule, which passed with bipartisan support in June and would be a win for affordability by saving ratepayers $200 million each year that goes to subsidize the construction of infrastructure we are trying to transition off of. The adage “when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging” has rarely been more apt.
[Please ask Governor Hochul to sign that bill and save ratepayers money.]
The League will continue to advocate for the advancement of the Clean Air Initiative, which will reduce air pollution, lower electricity bills, hold corporations accountable, and support critical upgrades to our aging infrastructure. That means better public transit, more energy efficient homes and schools, and expanded clean energy solutions for our communities.
As always, education is critical. Targets and plans don’t much matter if you lack community buy-in. It is the job of elected officials, project developers, and community leaders to ensure New Yorkers are educated – with facts and with science – about the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy, from wind and solar to storage and transmission.
New York is proving that climate leadership isn’t just about plans on paper, it’s about taking action, generating jobs, and creating healthier communities. Let’s keep the momentum going.