In The News
State, local, and national stories about New York’s climate work.
May
Spectrum News: NYSERDA’s Doreen Harris on available money for electric school bus purchases (opens in new window)
May 10, 2024 – New York state’s school districts are required to replace their gas and diesel-powered buses with electric buses by 2035. And in just 3 and half years, by 2027, districts will no longer be able to purchase buses that are gas or diesel-powered.
Ithaca Journal: Ithaca's Green New Deal pushed forward by newly adopted Justice50 resolution (opens in new window)
May 9, 2024 – Ithaca’s Common Council recently adopted Justice50, an action plan to address and aid underserved communities most impacted by the negative effects of climate change, and further the goals of Ithaca's Green New Deal.
Utility Dive: EV-grid integration group launches utility collaboration forum with ConEd, PG&E, Ford, GM, others (opens in new window)
May 8, 2024 – A national nonprofit of automakers and energy service providers focused on the transition to electric vehicles has launched an effort to bring more utilities into the conversation.
Time: Best Solar Panels For Home, According to Energy Experts (opens in new window)
May 6, 2024 – Most of us are familiar with the term ‘renewable energy’ and know that it refers to using natural resources like sun and wind to create electricity to power most anything in our lives. There was a time when solar panels and wind turbines were equated exclusively with total off-the-grid living in remote locales. These days, though, solar panels and, consequently solar energy, is more widespread and accessible. There are even numerous government rebates and tax credits available for installing a solar system in your home. Some installers also offer rebates.
Capitol Pressroom: State dollars begin to flow for zero-emission school buses (opens in new window)
May 6, 2024 – Adam Ruder, director of NYSERDA’s clean transportation group, provides an update on New York’s effort to promote zero-emission school buses.
AP: Community Solar: A Growing Opportunity Within Commercial Real Estate (opens in new window)
May 6, 2024 – s the U.S. invests in renewable energy, solar power continues to gain momentum, with installations growing by 22% annually over the past 10 years and 51% in 2023 alone.
New York Now: Driving Change: The Future of Electric School Buses in New York (opens in new window)
May 3, 2024 – Adam Ruder from NYSERDA discusses how New York is funding electric school buses to cut emissions and costs.
Reuters: US set for faster offshore wind permits under new rules (opens in new window)
May 3, 2024 – Last week, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) finalised new rules that streamline regulations for offshore wind permitting. The rules eliminate unnecessary deployment of metrological buoys, increase survey flexibility and improve design, fabrication and installation certification, in a raft of measures that should help to shorten permitting times and reduce offshore wind costs.
WCAX: Malone Central School District trying out 4 electric school buses (opens in new window)
May 2, 2024 – A northern New York school district has become the first in the North Country to plug into electric school buses. It’s part of a state mandate requiring all new bus purchases to be electric in three years and all districts to only have e-buses by 2035.
April
offshoreWIND.biz: New York Plans to Launch Fifth Offshore Wind Solicitation This Summer (opens in new window)
April 24, 2024 – New York Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled plans to launch the fifth offshore wind solicitation (NY5) this summer. In addition, Governor Hochul announced on 23 April that a USD 200 million Supportive Manufacturing and Logistics Request for Proposals (RFP) is open to support infrastructure investments in the state’s domestic offshore wind supply chain.
Syracuse.com: Subscription-based solar in Syracuse marks the beginning of transition to green energy (opens in new window)
April 24, 2024 – Sustainable energy is good for the environment, but bad for the bank account. In some areas, it is not even an option yet but New York State is the leader in conversion to clean energy, according to the solar companies.
Journal News: Lower Hudson Valley homeowners can score rebates for energy efficient upgrades. Here's how (opens in new window)
April 12, 2024 – Thinking of lowering utility bills by making your home more energy efficient? Some New York homeowners may benefit from New York state programs that offer thousands of dollars in rebates.
EIA: The Many Voices Supporting New York's Climate Leadership on Super Pollutant HFCs (opens in new window)
April 8, 2024 – At a recent hearing on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a broad set of stakeholders voiced support for the common sense climate leadership embodied in New York state’s proposed new regulations to reduce emissions of climate damaging HFCs.
March
The Maritime Executive: Ørsted Greenlights Seventh US Offshore Wind Farm as it Gets BOEM Approval (opens in new window)
March 27, 2024 – The U.S. continues to push forward with its efforts to develop renewable offshore wind energy with the Biden administration highlighting that it has approved the seventh offshore wind farm. The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management today issued the Record of Decision for the Sunrise Wind project to provide power to New York State. It is a key hurdle for the project that was first auctioned in 2013.
Long Island City Post: Ravenswood Generating Station is going green, Borough President launches community study (opens in new window)
March 20, 2024 – The owners of the Ravenswood Generating Station in Long Island City are transitioning the fossil fuel powered plant to a green energy hub and the Queens Borough President announced Monday the launch of a community-centered planning study to determine what benefits the new hub can bring to residents of the area.
Times Telegram: I used to work at fracking sites. Now, I’m all-in on clean energy for New York (opens in new window)
March 19, 2024 – Hearing about his thin-film solar business was a light-bulb moment. The future of energy, I realized, was not fossil fuels; rather, it was renewable energy and electrification. I wanted to seize opportunities created by this shift, so I founded a company called Blue Lake Clean Energy Group.
Fox News: US's first large offshore wind farm officially opens in New York, with more to come (opens in new window)
March 14, 2024 – America's first commercial-scale offshore wind farm is officially open, a long-awaited moment that helps pave the way for a succession of large wind farms. Danish wind energy developer Ørsted and the utility Eversource built a 12-turbine wind farm called South Fork Wind 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Montauk Point, New York. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul went to Long Island Thursday to announce that the turbines are delivering clean power to the local electric grid. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland attended.
Canary Media: The first big US offshore wind farm is open — here’s what’s next (opens in new window)
March 14, 2024 – America’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm is finally finished, marking an important milestone in what’s shaping up to be a busy year for the emerging U.S. industry. On Thursday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced the completion of South Fork Wind, a 132-megawatt project by Danish energy giant Ørsted and Boston-based utility Eversource. All 12 of the wind farm’s towering turbines are now in place and producing enough clean electricity to power roughly 70,000 homes in Long Island, New York.
Observer-Dispatch: Rome is home to New York's first carbon-neutral public housing development (opens in new window)
March 12, 2024 – Beacon Communities and the Rome Housing Authority gathered to celebrate the completion of Colonial II in Rome, recently – a $40 million renovation making the property the state’s first carbon-neutral public housing development. According to state officials, the project’s energy-efficient design supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s climate goals while preserving 74 units of affordable housing.
Saratogian: Funding now available to support electric school bus charging infrastructure (opens in new window)
March 11, 2024 – Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced funding is now available for electric school bus charging infrastructure under the historic $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and through the New York School Bus Incentive Program.
NY Post: Basil Seggos Reflects on Tenure as DEC Commissioner (opens in new window)
March 5, 2024 – Basil Seggos has served for eight and a half years. He was appointed to the job in 2015 and officially confirmed in 2016. Seggos has now served under two governors and is poised to leave at a pivotal time in New York’s history.
NY Post: Sea Levels Around NYC Could Surge up to 13 Inches in 2030s Due to Climate Change: State Study (opens in new window)
March 3, 2024 – Sea levels surrounding New York City are expected to rise at least 6 to 9 inches in the 2030s and potentially up to 13 inches in some areas due to climate change, according to state projections.
Times Union: Departing NY Environmental Commissioner Reflects on His Legacy (opens in new window)
March 1, 2024 – The state's response to the Hoosick Falls' water crisis and the suicides of forest rangers among issues that tested Seggos' leadership.
February
Spectrum News: Funding Announced to Monitor, Reduce Air Pollution Around New York Schools (opens in new window)
February 26, 2024 – The Biden administration is rolling out more than $30 million to monitor and help reduce air pollution. Some of that money is coming to upstate New York, designed for a specific purpose.
Spectrum News: New York DEC Commissioner: Climate Transition will be 'the Toughest Thing We Ever Do' (opens in new window)
February 12, 2024 – The cost of the doing nothing on climate will far outweigh the cost of a climate transition for New York, according to state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos, who addressed concerns on Capital Tonight.
Empire Report: Climate Change is Here. New York's Comprehensive Approach will Help Ensure the Empire State is Prepared (opens in new window)
February 7, 2024 – As made clear by the recent storms that ravaged many Long Island communities, time is running short to comprehensively address the flooding, erosion, and regional economic damage being wrought by increasingly common extreme weather events.
January
News 10: Hochul Aims to Have 25 Million Trees Planted by 2033 (opens in new window)
January 9, 2024 – Gov. Kathy Hochul announces actions to plant 25 million trees, safeguard clean water, and protect lakes in her State of State address. This is part of an ongoing effort to maintain New York State’s natural resources.
December
101.5 WPDH: New York's 1st Federally Funded EV Station Opens in Ulster County (opens in new window)
December 19, 2023 – Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday, December 15th that New York’s first high-speed chargers for electric vehicles funded through President Biden's historic National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program are now operating in the City of Kingston, in Ulster County in the Hudson Valley.
Times Union: New York set to receive first federally funded EV charging hub (opens in new window)
December 16, 2023 – New York’s first federally funded high-speed electric vehicle charging hub opened Friday, part of a national bid to make highways friendlier for low-emission vehicles and encourage more motorists to transition away from gas-powered vehicles over the next decade.
Charged Electric Vehicle Magazine: Solar-powered public EV fast charging station unveiled in Westchester County, New York (opens in new window)
December 14, 2023 – Sustainable Westchester, a renewable energy provider and advocacy group, recently unveiled a new EV fast charging station powered entirely by solar energy. The Sunshine to EV project, located at Sustainable Westchester’s Mount Kisco, New York headquarters, includes an 85 kW solar photovoltaic array, a 180 kWh on-site storage battery, and twin Jule 75 kW DC fast chargers.
Spectrum News: Hochul: Transmission line upgrade between Oneida, Albany counties is complete(opens in new window)
December 13, 2023 – An upgrade of transmission lines between Oneida County and Albany County, known as the Central East Energy Connect transmission project, has been completed, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced
Politico: First major US offshore wind farm sends power to New York grid (opens in new window)
December 7, 2023 – Electricity began flowing Wednesday from the country's first large offshore wind array, even as the broader industry continues to battle financial headwinds.
New York Times: New York Turns On Its First Offshore Wind Farm (opens in new window)
December 6, 2023 – New York State has leaped into the era of offshore wind power, with electricity generated over the Atlantic Ocean now flowing to homes on Long Island.
November
Reuters: NY launches offshore wind solicitation as it strives to meet green goals (opens in new window)
November 30, 2023 – New York released a new offshore wind solicitation on Thursday to keep the state on track to meet its renewable energy goals and support a nascent industry that has faced financial trouble in recent months.
Solar Power World: New York hits 2-GW milestone for community solar installations (opens in new window)
November 28, 2023 – Gov. Kathy Hochul announced more than 2 GW of community solar has been installed in New York — enough to serve 393,000 homes, reaffirming the state’s position as the top community solar market in the United States.
Troy Record: $3.5 million in state funding for environmental justice initiatives (opens in new window)
November 28, 2023 – Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a total of $3.5 million in state funding to support environmental justice initiatives being led by more than 20 community-based organizations across the state.
Associated Press: Tackling climate change and alleviating hunger: States recycle and donate food headed to landfills (opens in new window)
November 26, 2023 – New York is among a growing number of states targeting food waste over concerns it is taking up diminishing landfill space and contributing to global warming as meat, vegetables and dairy release the greenhouse gas methane after being dumped in a landfill.
October
WWTI: Feeding New York State reaches Milestone (opens in new window)
October 30, 2023 – Feeding New York State, the state association of New York’s 10 Feeding America member food banks, has reached the five-million-pound collection milestone as part of the ongoing implementation of the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law.
Buffalo News: First New York State 'orphaned' gas well plugged with federal funding (opens in new window)
October 25, 2023 – New York State, which has plugged nearly 500 abandoned gas and oil wells, recently completed plugging the first orphaned gas well with federal funding in the state in southern Erie County.
Associated Press: New York selects 3 offshore wind projects as it transitions to renewable energy (opens in new window)
October 24, 2023 – New York will invest in three offshore wind projects as the state tries to meet its ambitious timetable to transition to renewable energy sources, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday
Buffalo News: Hamburg, Williamsville, Aurora join the ranks of state climate smart communities (opens in new window)
October 23, 2023 – The Village of Hamburg is using more LED lights and pushing toward more walkable streets.
Times Union: Commentary: New York's commitment to renewable energy hasn't wavered (opens in new window)
October 19, 2023 – The state Public Service Commission recently denied renewable energy developers’ requests for financial relief to preserve the integrity of our competitive procurement process and protect ratepayers. Rest assured: New York is not backing down from our commitment to a clean energy future.
May
PV Magazine US: Solar energy in New York state covered record 20% of state power demand (opens in new window)
May 25, 2023 – Solar energy in New York state covered record 20% of state power demand (pv Magazine)
Popular Science: How an innovative battery system in the Bronx will help charge up NYC's grid (opens in new window)
May 13, 2023 – How an innovative battery system in the Bronx will help charge up NYC’s grid (Popsci.com)
WPIX-TV: Gov. Hochul, Mayor Adams launch $15M initiative to fast-track clean energy homes in NYC (opens in new window)
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.
April
New York Times: New York to Ban Natural Gas, Including Stoves, in New Buildings (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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' (opens in new window)
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.
March
Daily Gazette: Schenectady, town of Amsterdam apartment projects awarded $1M in state competition' (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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.
February
Gotham Gazette: How New York Will Implement the $4.2 Billion Environmental Bond Act Passed by Voters in 2022 (opens in new window)
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? (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
February 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 (opens in new window)
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.
January
Resources.org: New York’s Scoping Plan for Climate Action, with Maureen Leddy (opens in new window)
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. (opens in new window)
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? (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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.
December
Spectrum News: DEC commissioner and NYSERDA president discuss climate plan’s next steps (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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.
November
The Brooklyn Eagle: NY awards $7M to Revel for Red Hook charging station, job training site (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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.
October
News 12 Bronx: First-of-its-kind study to monitor NY air quality begins in Mount Vernon (opens in new window)
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.
September
The Hill: New York to mandate zero-emission vehicles in 2035 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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.
August
Auburn Citizen: NY commissioners: Working with farmers to ensure climate resiliency for the future (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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.
July
Utility Dive: New York announces 2-GW offshore wind solicitation with a focus on supply chain infrastructure (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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.
April
PV Magazine: NYSERDA launches energy advisory website for low- to moderate-income households (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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.
March
Times Union: Climate battle will transform how we live and work in Capital Region (opens in new window)
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.
February
Gotham Gazette: ‘A fundamental shift’ – New York’s clean energy plans move ahead (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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.
January
City & State: Opinion: New York’s climate goals inspire Biden’s clean energy agenda (opens in new window)
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 (opens in new window)
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.