Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, released the following statement on the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session:
“This legislative session fell short of the bold environmental action New Yorkers need and deserve. In a frustrating session shortened by a prolonged budget process, too many critical environmental priorities failed to reach the finish line, leaving important work unfinished. Still, lawmakers made progress on several important measures that will expand access to clean energy, protect public health, and strengthen climate resilience. Those accomplishments show that progress is possible, and we urge lawmakers to build on that momentum in the year ahead. The only long-term solution to the environmental, public health, and affordability challenges facing New Yorkers is to get off the costly roller coaster ride of fossil fuels and invest in reliable, homegrown energy.”
During the 2026 legislative session, the New York State Legislature passed four NYLCV Scorecard Bills:
- The SUNNY ACT, which legalizes balcony solar and expands access to clean energy.
- Expansion of New York’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-Pace), to help property owners finance clean energy, water conservation, and resiliency improvements.
- Legislation to lower New York’s allowable level of PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ in drinking water to match the more protective federal standard.
- The Whale Awareness Act to develop educational materials to discourage whale strikes.
NYLCV also applauds the passage of legislation directing the study of the impacts of large data centers and developing policies to protect New Yorkers from the potential costs and environmental harms of the industry.
NYLCV is thankful to the bill sponsors, including Senator Krueger and Assemblymember Gallagher, Senator Parker and Assemblymember Stern, Senator Kavanagh and Assemblymember Lee, and Senator Gonzalez and Assemblymember Kelles, Assemblymember Kassay, and Senator Harckham as well as legislative leadership in both parties for helping advance these important bills.