Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  January 16, 2025

NY State to Spend $1 Billion to Lower Emissions, Boost RE and Nuclear

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to invest more than $1 billion to lower emissions, add renewable energy and expand green transportation options as part of her 2025 State of the State. 

This proposal would be the single largest climate investment in state history and slash energy bills for households and lower harmful pollution. 

The announcement demonstrates New York State’s continued commitment to deploying renewable energy and advancing clean transportation, building decarbonization, and the exploration of emerging technologies that can support decarbonization goals and economic development.

“Today, we take a monumental step towards a greener, more affordable future for New York State,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “This historic $1 billion climate investment is not just a commitment to sustainable energy, it is a commitment to New Yorkers — creating thousands of jobs, cutting energy costs, and reducing harmful pollution.”

The plan includes the following:

• Retrofitting homes and incentivizing the installation of heat pumps
• Ensuring public infrastructure can serve as hubs of sustainability, including building out thermal energy networks at SUNY campuses
• Expanding green transportation options across the state and supporting businesses of all sizes in their decarbonization journey

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will continue their work as New York progresses implementation of the cap-and-invest program, including proposing new reporting regulations to gather information on emissions sources. 

Governor Hochul will direct state agencies and the New York Power Authority to enter into contracts in pursuit of achieving 100% renewable energy for state agencies by 2030. These contracts will result in at least 500 MW of renewable energy.

New York State will also co-lead a multi-state initiative facilitated by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) on advanced nuclear energy, anticipated to launch in February 2025, and support Constellation in pursuing federal planning grant funding that supports the exploration of the addition of one or more new advanced nuclear reactors at its Nine Mile Point site in Oswego County.

Additionally, leveraging investments from the Environmental Bond Act, Governor Hochul will direct SUNY and CUNY to begin electrifying campuses and integrating renewable energy technologies.

Read These Related Articles:

• NY State Begins Construction of Offshore Wind Project
• Bronx, NY Receives Funding for Clean Transportation Projects
• NY State to Spend $29 Million for EV Charging

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