New York, NY – Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, released the following statement in response to Governor Hochul’s announcement regarding the Sustainable Future Fund:
“At a time when New Yorkers’ are buckling under the high costs of energy and witnessing the rollback of federal protections and investments that have kept our air and water clean for decades, Governor Hochul has announced the allocation of the $1 billion Sustainable Future Fund, along with a new cross sector energy planning initiative and advancing the new CHARGE initiative. With projects ranging from climate resilient farms to zero-emission transportation, this investment is a welcome step towards a cleaner, more affordable future.
“We are excited to see $200 million for NY-Sun, $150 million for Empower+, $150 million to advance thermal energy networks, and so much more. These programs will help everyday New Yorkers by enabling them to install technology like heat pumps and solar panels into their own homes, immediately reducing their electricity bills. It will also support constructing renewable energy across the state, increasing supply, lowering costs and creating union jobs for years to come.
“For too long, our electricity and gas infrastructure planning have been done separately even though they have intersecting impacts. The Energy Infrastructure Development Plan will integrate the review of our energy needs and put us on the path to the lowest cost and cleanest options. New Yorkers deserve cleaner air, healthier communities, and cheaper and cleaner energy, so we applaud Governor Hochul for announcing the new CHARGE Agenda to shepherd the state towards a zero-emissions future.”