Governor Hochul Prioritizes the Climate in 2023

February 10, 2023 by Clare Henrie, Director of Policy & Advocacy

We at the Climate Solutions Accelerator applaud Governor Hochul for making it clear that addressing the climate crisis is one of her top priorities in 2023. 

At the forefront of the Governor’s climate-related proposals in her State of the State and Executive Budget, is a new cap and invest program. This would set an annual cap on GHG emissions that will be reduced each year to meet NY’s emissions goals. Large-scale emitters and distributors would be required to purchase allowances from the state at auction. Proceeds would support climate mitigation programs and pay for “Climate Action Rebates'' that NYers could use for energy bills. Activists will be watching as this program is developed, with the hopes of ensuring it is done in a way that is both effective and equitable. 

Importantly, Governor Hochul has proposed that no new construction have on-site fossil fuel combustion, starting in 2025 with buildings 7 stories or shorter and taller buildings in 2028.  While the Accelerator is very excited that the Governor is putting building decarbonization on her agenda, we would like to see her dates match those of the All Electric Buildings Act which the Accelerator supports. She has also proposed a future ban on the sale of new fossil fuel heating equipment.

We applaud Governor Hochul for recognizing the need to upgrade NY’s aging housing stock and to address high energy burden. She promised $200 million in relief for electric bills for electric utility customers who make $75,000/year or less and $200 million for the EmPower Plus program that will help 20,000 low-income families retrofit their homes. She would also make large investments in transportation including $1 billion for vehicle electrification and $287 million in funding for upstate transit systems (a 7% increase).

The Executive Budget also includes a promising proposal to enable the NY Power Authority to more effectively develop, finance and operate large-scale renewable energy projects. This would increase available renewable energy, with a large percentage going to power low-income communities. 

Additionally, there is a proposal to create an Office of Just Transition to plan for an equitable transition for fossil fuel workers and the Waste Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act which would require producers to consider the entire life cycle of a product and its recyclability. More proposed funding includes money for clear water, PFA remediation and a grant program to establish food markets in underserved areas.  

Now it is up to the Legislature to expand on Governor Hochul’s climate agenda by developing their One-House Budgets. The Accelerator will continue to advocate for bold investments and proposals to advance building decarbonization, climate mitigation and affordable, clean power for all New Yorkers. For more information, including copies of the proposals, visit the Governor’s website: https://www.governor.ny.gov/