In The News
State, local, and national stories about New York’s climate work.
WPIX-TV: Gov. Hochul, Mayor Adams launch $15M initiative to fast-track clean energy homes in NYC
May 1, 2023 – New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched a new partnership on Monday, called the Future Housing Initiative, aimed to fast-track the completion of 3,000 energy-efficient and all-electric affordable homes in the city by investing $15 million, the governor’s office announced.
New York Times: New York to Ban Natural Gas, Including Stoves, in New Buildings
April 28, 2023 – New York may soon become the first state in the nation to ban natural gas in new construction under a budget deal announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
WRGB: Albany announces $500,000 DEC grant to install EV charging ports around city
April 23, 2023 – As we celebrate Earth Day, the City of Albany works to build the infrastructure needed to electrify the City’s transportation networks. To that end, Albany is proud to announce it has been awarded a $499,769.60 grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) to install 28 Level 2 electric vehicle charging ports at 14 stations.
Auburn Citizen: Auburn receives $80K state grant to install electric vehicle charging stations
April 15, 2023 – The city of Auburn is among 70 municipalities, including six in central New York, that will receive more than $8.3 million to install public electric vehicle charging stations.
Newsday: Long Island to add 45 electric vehicle charging stations with $865G in state funding
April 15, 2023 – Long Island is poised to add 45 electric vehicle charging stations under a broader state effort to support the transition to green energy vehicles.
Spectrum: New York seeks to be part of hydrogen energy hub
April 10, 2023 – New York is among seven northeast states that are vying to be part of a group proposal for a regional clean hydrogen hub, competing for more than $1 billion in federal funding to expand the technology.
Suffolk Times: Editorial: State DEC report on minority communities is important
April 7, 2023 – It might not come as a surprise to many who closely follow environmental issues impacting the region, but state officials have formally designated 87 mostly minority neighborhoods in 40 Long Island communities as being disproportionately impacted by pollution and ever-worsening climate change.
Newsday: Department of Environmental Conservation: More than 40 local communities 'disadvantaged'
April 4, 2023 – State environmental officials have designated 87 predominantly minority neighborhoods in more than 40 Long Island communities as disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change, making them eligible for funds toward the introduction of clean energy projects.
Daily Gazette: Schenectady, town of Amsterdam apartment projects awarded $1M in state competition'
March 26, 2023 – Eco-friendly developments in Schenectady and the town of Amsterdam were each awarded $1 million grants in the third round of the state’s Buildings of Excellence Competition this past week.
Staten Island Advance: New NY proposals position Staten Island as pivotal piece in burgeoning off-shore wind industry
March 18, 2023 – Staten Island’s offshore wind manufacturing sites are featured in multiple proposals for the state’s third offshore wind solicitation, serving as potential next steps to position the borough as a pivotal piece in the burgeoning industry.
Gotham Gazette (Opinion): The Inflation Reduction Act is a Boon for New York’s Economy, Communities, and Climate Efforts
March 14, 2023 – Sixty-thousand electric vehicle (EV) chargers on New York’s highways. Dozens of large-scale solar and battery storage plants, many of them in the state’s most disadvantaged counties. The largest planned deployment of offshore wind projects in the United States. Thousands of new good-paying green-energy jobs, with skills training programs to ensure they can be filled.
Newsday: Fully electric vehicles surpass plug-in hybrids on Long Island as EV growth continues, report says
March 8, 2023 – When Jonathan Ezor took a ride in his fully electric American muscle car last July — an EV Mustang Mach-E — it was his first fully battery-operated car, complete with performance that outmatched anything he ever owned.
Gotham Gazette: How New York Will Implement the $4.2 Billion Environmental Bond Act Passed by Voters in 2022
February 13, 2023 – After voters overwhelmingly approved it last fall, state officials expect to issue the first bonds under the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act in the upcoming fiscal year, which begins April 1. It will take years to spend the entire sum, aimed at addressing some of the state’s most dire climate and environmental needs.
WKBW Buffalo: New York State is phasing out natural gas, but how?
February 8, 2023 – In the decades to come, natural gas will be a thing of the past. Cars, buses, homes, workplaces and more if they’re in New York State, they’ll have to be powered by electricity. “The change is here and we’re excited to go about it, but it’s one that will result in a cleaner and better future for all of us,” said Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA.
Newsday: State study looks at air pollution impact in ‘disadvantaged’ Nassau communities
February 7, 2023 – State environmental officials are conducting a yearlong air pollution study looking at “disadvantaged” communities in Nassau County for potential sources and hot spots.
Daily Orange: NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation continues to monitor Syracuse’s pollution levels
February 7, 2023 – Data from a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation study presented in a live report Tuesday evening shows high levels of pollution surrounding highways in the city of Syracuse, especially surrounding I-81. Syracuse is one of 10 areas the NYSDEC is monitoring for poor air quality across the state as part of an effort to identify local pollutants in disadvantaged communities.
Watertown Daily News: Hochul’s all-electric building plan would ban gas stoves only in new builds
February 5, 2023 – Gov. Kathleen Hochul, who wants to remove fossil fuels from buildings to fight climate change, unveiled proposed legislation Wednesday that lays out details and answers a question many have asked: What about cooking with gas?
Staten Island Advance: New York takes steps forward to reaching ambitious offshore wind energy goals
Feburary 3, 2023 – New York took new steps to establish the state as a player in the expanding offshore wind industry. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) said its third round of competitive offshore wind solicitation closed in late January to garner at least another 2,000 megawatts in the state’s energy portfolio. A total of six bidders submitted proposals, said NYSERDA, and one or more offshore wind developers will receive solicitation awards next spring.
Politico: “Cap and invest” proposal to be detailed in Hochul’s budget
February 1, 2023 – Gov. Kathy Hochul will ask lawmakers Wednesday to embrace a cap-and-trade program to raise billions of dollars to reduce emissions in New York as part of her executive budget proposal.
Resources.org: New York’s Scoping Plan for Climate Action, with Maureen Leddy
January 31, 2023 – In this week’s episode, host Kristin Hayes talks with Maureen Leddy, who serves as director of the Office of Climate Change at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The City: Bronx Residents Got Rid of Their Gas Stoves. Their Air Quality Markedly Improved.
January 31, 2023 – In a pilot program at NYCHA, households with induction stoves showed a 35% decrease in nitrogen dioxide and a nearly 43% difference in carbon monoxide.
Times Union: How much will Gov. Kathy Hochul include in New York budget for environment?
January 29, 2023 – On Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul will release her first full-year budget proposal, for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Buffalo News (Opinion): Energy affordability is at the forefront of New York’s climate agenda
January 29, 2023 – It’s easy for New Yorkers to lose track of the number of severe weather events labeled “once in a generation.” In the past decade, there have been many, including Hurricanes Irene and Lee, Superstorm Sandy, the record droughts of 2022, and the “once-in-a-generation blizzard” that dumped 80 inches on Buffalo in five days.
Gothamist: Fact or fiction: Here’s what NY Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to do with gas stoves
January 26, 2023 – By now, you’ve probably seen the headlines, the cable news segments, the social media posts — all about the latest culture war to engulf New York and the nation: the future of gas stoves.
WAMC: Debunking anti-climate change propaganda
January 23, 2023 – According to the Oxford dictionary, the word propaganda means: “information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.” The use of propaganda was on display last week at a state Senate hearing on New York’s climate plan.
Gothamist: A lot more than gas stoves: A deep dive into what NY must do to meet its climate law
January 23, 2023 – New York state has seven years to do most of the work required under the terms of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, the landmark 2019 law that calls for a 40% reduction in the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 — and an 85% reduction by 2050.
New York Now (PBS): New York’s Climate Action Plan
January 20, 2023 – New York’s Climate Action Council approved a plan last month for how the state will respond to climate change and lower emissions over the next few decades. State DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos and Doreen Harris, president of NYSERDA, join us to discuss the plan and the steps New York is taking to combat climate change.
Buffalo News: Viewpoints: State climate plan delivers sensible roadmap for future
January 17, 2023 – Climate news these days is a seemingly nonstop barrage of depressing stories. The recent oil spill of the Keystone Pipeline; the disastrous leak of methane gas in Pennsylvania; extreme weather events around the world; drought and fire in the American West; continued dependence on fossil fuels; health problems stemming from poisoned air, particularly in historically disadvantaged communities.
Daily News: Cooking with gas? Don’t worry, Gov. Hochul isn’t going to disconnect New Yorkers’ stoves anytime soon
January 14, 2023 – Gov. Hochul landed in hot water this week amid a nationwide uproar over gas stoves. New Yorkers who love cooking with flames need not fear — Hochul and state government aren’t looking to ban gas stoves in existing homes at the moment.
Crain’s: Hochul lays out sweeping climate agenda
January 11, 2023 – Gov. Kathy Hochul spelled out a sweeping climate agenda on Tuesday as part of her State of the State address, unveiling new programs and mandates to finance New York’s transition to a green economy and move the state closer to meeting its ambitious emissions-cutting mandates.
USA Today: How Kathy Hochul plans to cut costs for New Yorkers who can’t afford heat, electricity
January 11, 2023 – To curb high energy costs for consumers, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed $200M in electric utility bills relief to over 800,000 New Yorkers who make under $75,000.
WRGB: Green goals aim to bring green jobs to NYS
January 10, 2023 – The Climate Leadership and Community Plan Act has high goals of reducing gas emissions and sustaining renewable energy.
WRGB: Conversations continue on footing climate change costs
January 8, 2023 – Climate change advocates and critics will be looking for more guidance on the state’s climate change action plan as Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to comment on it during her state of the state address Tuesday.
CBS 6: Going Green, Making Bold Choices: CBS6 speaks with state leaders on climate action goals
January 6, 2023 – New York state leaders are working on implementing a multi-decades long plan to eliminate the state’s carbon footprint.
Times Union: All new cars and trucks sold in New York will be zero-emission by 2035
January 1, 2023 – All new passenger cars and trucks sold in New York will be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said.
Spectrum News: DEC commissioner and NYSERDA president discuss climate plan’s next steps
Dec. 21, 2022 – The regulatory phase now begins. That’s the assessment of two of the agency leaders who will be involved in implementing the state’s new climate blueprint.
The Hill: New York panel finalizes ‘nation-leading’ climate blueprint
Dec. 20, 2022 – A New York state panel moved on Monday evening to adopt a road map of comprehensive climate measures that will land on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) desk in the new year.
Journal News: New York passes climate plan to meet net-zero emissions by mid-century
Dec. 20, 2022 – New York’s landmark climate law cleared another hurdle Monday with a final plan to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century.
News 10: Climate Action Council approves statewide scoping plan
Dec. 19, 2022 – The Climate Action Council voted today to approve a statewide scoping plan.
Times Union: Climate panel approves roadmap for large-scale carbon reduction in New York
Dec. 19, 2022 – The special council in charge of creating a roadmap toward a carbon-free economy in New York approved its long-awaited scoping plan on Monday, setting the stage for what will likely be years of debate over a mass shift toward using solar, wind and other alternatives as energy sources.
Long Island Media: Governor Hochul Announces $52 Million in Awards for Regional Clean Energy Hubs to Connect New York Communities with Clean Energy Resources
Dec. 9, 2022 — Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $52 million in awards to establish 12 Regional Clean Energy Hubs to serve as centers of outreach, awareness, and education in regions across New York State and help foster residents’ participation, especially those in underserved or otherwise disadvantaged communities, in New York’s clean energy transition.
Spectrum News: Work begins on 339-mile transmission line from Canada to NYC
Dec. 1, 2022 — Construction has started on the longest stretch of the Champlain Hudson Power Express — a 339-mile transmission line to bring clean hydropower from Canada to New York City.
The Brooklyn Eagle: NY awards $7M to Revel for Red Hook charging station, job training site
Nov. 17, 2022 — Revel, a Brooklyn-based electric mobility and infrastructure company, announced on Wednesday that it has been selected as a grand prize awardee for the $85 million New York Clean Transportation Prizes Program in the Electric Mobility Challenge category.
Times Union: New York voters overwhelmingly pass Environmental Bond Act
Nov. 8, 2022 — The $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Energy, Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act was overwhelmingly passed by voters — and lawmakers said it will not result in a tax increase.
News 12 Bronx: First-of-its-kind study to monitor NY air quality begins in Mount Vernon
Oct. 28, 2022 — News 12 got an exclusive look at how the state is monitoring air quality and greenhouse gases in communities overburdened by pollution with cutting edge technology.
The Hill: New York to mandate zero-emission vehicles in 2035
Sept. 29, 2022 — All new vehicles purchased in New York will need to be zero-emission models beginning in 2035, Gov. Kathy Hochul(D) announced on Thursday.
News 12 Westchester: 3 newly inducted ‘Climate Smart’ communities located in Westchester
Sept. 19, 2022 — The state is kicking off Climate Week by achieving a new milestone. On Monday, New York state surpassed 100 “Climate Smart” communities, and three of the newly inducted communities are in Westchester County.
Auburn Citizen: NY commissioners: Working with farmers to ensure climate resiliency for the future
Aug. 30, 2022 — America’s farmers have long pioneered conservation measures in response to environmental challenges. Now farmers are on the frontlines in our battle against the climate crisis.
Gotham Gazette: How the Inflation Reduction Act will take New York’s climate action to the next level
Aug. 25, 2022 — One month ago, national progress on climate change collapsed on the heels of an adverse Supreme Court ruling, followed by apparent withdrawal of Congress from meeting this urgent moment. In a dramatic turn, however, President Biden, Majority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Democrats in Congress achieved the signing of the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Spectrum News: Environmental conservation commissioner talks climate policy
Aug. 19, 2022 — Basil Seggos, commissioner of the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, joined Bobby Cuza on “Inside City Hall” Friday to discuss New York’s air quality monitoring program and new climate investments.
Spectrum News: Neighborhood air pollution mapping begins in disadvantaged communities
Aug. 18, 2022 — The state Department of Environmental Conservation has a one-year contract with San Francisco-based tech company Aclima to get a detailed mapping of air pollutants in disadvantaged communities that have higher emissions of nitrogen dioxide, methane gas and other toxins.
Empire Report: How New York is rebuilding resilient shoreline communities
Aug. 16, 2022 — Northern New Yorkers well remember the summers of 2017 and 2019, when all-time-high water levels along the 680 miles of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River shorelines severely damaged coastal infrastructure. For months, water, wind, and waves flooded homes and businesses, eroded bluffs, inundated roads, and washed-out wastewater infrastructure.
Utility Dive: New York announces 2-GW offshore wind solicitation with a focus on supply chain infrastructure
July 28, 2022 — New York’s latest solicitation has a large focus on establishing supply chains for the growing industry, including new considerations from bidders.
Journal News: Climate change still threatens New York. We’re continuing to lead the fight
July 26, 2022 — Last week, on one of the hottest days of the year in the United States, and amidst record heat and wildfires in Europe, President Joe Biden stressed the need to continue the fight against global climate change. He did not mince words to label climate change as a global emergency and made a promise that if Congress won’t act, then he will. New York stands with the President in our role as a state leader in fighting climate change, and we will continue to forge a path with our sister states to a cleaner, greener future.
Daily News: N.Y.’s landmark climate law will be a boon to consumers
July 6, 2022 — When New York adopted the landmark Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) in 2019, the state not only set a national model for combating climate change, it embarked on a path toward a clean energy future that will bring multiple long-term benefits to New Yorkers.
News 13: Hochul says new environmental laws will help advance clean energy in NY
July 5, 2022 — Gov. Hochul has signed a package of new environmental measures into law. The package includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create green jobs.
PV Magazine: NYSERDA launches energy advisory website for low- to moderate-income households
April 14, 2022 — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has launched a new website aimed at increasing awareness of and access to clean energy programs and energy assistance for low- to moderate-income households in New York State.
CBS 6: New budget invests billions in clean energy, climate resilience
April 10, 2022 — Governor Kathy Hochul announced bold, unprecedented investments and environmental initiatives in the FY 2023 Budget.
News 12 Bronx: Manhattan Beer Distributors lead with green trucks, plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050
April 5, 2022 — The state’s Climate Action Council kicked off the first of 10 public hearings on Tuesday in the Bronx as they finalize a plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Times Union: Climate battle will transform how we live and work in Capital Region
March 13, 2022 — Even if you don’t believe in climate change — or want to ignore the fact that the planet is facing an existential environmental threat that if left unchecked will lead to serious health and social trauma — you’re going to have to deal with it.
Gotham Gazette: ‘A fundamental shift’ – New York’s clean energy plans move ahead
Feb. 24, 2022 — New York is well on its way to meeting its ambitious clean energy goals, according to one of the top state officials charged with implementation, and there are several major projects in the offing essential to moving from fossil fuels to a combination of wind, water, and solar power.
The Verge: Construction begins on New York’s first offshore wind farm
Feb. 14, 2022 — New York State broke ground on Friday on its first offshore wind farm, kicking off a boom in similar projects aimed at transforming the state’s — and the nation’s — energy mix. The South Fork Wind project off the coast of Long Island is expected to be operational by the end of 2023.
Long Island Business News: Construction begins on South Fork Wind project
Feb. 11, 2022 — Federal, state and local officials announced the start of construction of the South Fork Wind project at a press event in Wainscott Friday.
Newsday: ‘Highly electrified’ state could double usage by 2050, official says
Feb. 4, 2022 — A “highly electrified” New York grid fed by wind, solar and hydro power will see a dramatic increase in overall electricity usage and a major shift in the time of year people and businesses use that power, according to a top state energy official.
City & State: Opinion: New York’s climate goals inspire Biden’s clean energy agenda
Jan. 28, 2022 — After my visit to New York’s Capital Region earlier this month, it’s clear to me that the Empire State is becoming an empire of clean energy. With President Biden’s agenda to build a better America, this empire will deliver good-paying jobs, cheaper energy bills, cleaner air, and greater resilience to New Yorkers.
Times Union: State’s climate council wants heat pumps in all new homes by 2024
Jan. 4, 2022 — The state council tasked with making New York carbon-neutral by 2050 wants to rapidly transition the state’s homes away from propane, oil and gas heating to electric heat pumps.