Last week we wrote about a few of the League’s top priorities for the FY26 State Budget negotiations, including advancing both Cap-and-Invest and NY HEAT, as well as fully funding the MTA Capital Plan, passing a Clean Fuel Standard for transportation, and increasing offshore wind energy targets. However, we are also asking the governor and legislative leaders to prioritize several other funding requests.
As a member of New Yorkers for Clean Water and Jobs – a broad coalition of conservation, environmental justice, labor, business, local government, outdoor recreation and public health groups – we are requesting that lawmakers advance the following budget items:
- Appropriate at least $500 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF);
- Appropriate $600 million for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act;
- Appropriate at least $200 million in capital funding for the New York State Parks;
- Appropriate at least $100 million in capital funds for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC);
- In a timely fashion, utilize the billions still available under New York’s $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act to help all New Yorkers, including those living in disadvantaged communities;
- Appropriate funds so that the DEC can hire approximately 225 new full-time employees; and
- Appropriate funds so that the New York State Department of Health (DOH) can hire additional staff to effectively implement and monitor new clean water standards.
EPF Funding
Regarding our request to appropriate $500 million to the EPF, already there is a years-long waiting list for programs awaiting funding. The more money in the fund, then the sooner organizations can receive it. The EPF has funded projects in every county in the state, including all five NYC boroughs, protecting the water, conserving land and advancing environmental justice. The Department of Environmental Conservation provides examples of how the EPF money is spent:
- Purchasing land for the NYS Forest Preserve
- Restoring historic sites
- Conserving farmland
- Restoring habitat
- Controlling invasive species
- Upgrading municipal sewage treatment plants
- Cleaning up waterfront property and creating a public park
- Helping business develop ways to recycle material
- Superfund renewal
EPF programs support hundreds of thousands of jobs and generate approximately $40 billion in economic activity each year.
Clean Water
New York State needs to continue its efforts to modernize drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, so that all New Yorkers have clean and safe water to drink. To this end, we are requesting a $600 million allocation, our largest request to the Governor, for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act (CWIA). According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the state needs $35 billion in upgrades to drinking water systems across the state.
“These investments [in clean water] must continue, and grow, to further progress against these significant needs,” said the coalition in a letter to the governor.
Funding Parks and DEC
More than 84 million people visit New York’s state parks and historic sites, so it is incumbent on all of us to maintain these facilities so New Yorkers can enjoy them to the fullest. We are requesting $200 million in capital funding for New York State Parks, which, when you look at the numbers, is a small investment for a big payoff: In 2021 alone, the GDP from state parks and historic sites was $3.7 billion, according to an economic report. Additionally, outdoor activities in the state generate $21.1 billion in economic activity and support more than 241,000 jobs, adding up to $13.1 billion in compensation.
Funds from the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act
The $4.2 billion has been approved by voters, so the state needs to spend it in accordance with program appropriations in the 2022 enabling legislation.
So far, funds equivalent to approximately one-eighth of the $4.2 billion have been awarded to projects, leaving well more than $3 billion still available. It is critical that the state meet or exceed the legal mandate to spend 35 to 40 percent of bond act money in disadvantaged communities.
“With New York City home to more than 8 million New Yorkers, and significant number of disadvantaged communities” in the city, “we urge your administration to work with the city of New York to evaluate policies … and determine how adjustments can be made to address procedural barriers to funding,” said New Yorkers for Clean Water and Jobs in a letter to the governor.
State Staffing Needs
Without adequate staff, our state agencies responsible for implementing and enforcing environmental laws and regulations cannot do their jobs adequately.
The state DEC protects our water and air through state and federal laws and regulations. Our clear understanding is that the agency needs approximately 225 new full-time employees across its different divisions to efficiently and successfully handle permitting, planning, grant applications, public safety and more.
Likewise, the DOH must implement federal mandates, requiring the replacement of 500,000 lead service lines by 2037 and implement and enforce additional safe drinking water standards imposed on 296 utilities now exceeding safety standards. The DOH will need additional resources to do this work.
During these coming uncertain political times, it is more urgent than ever that the governor and legislature to ensure the state is a leader in environmental protection. Please contact the Governor’s office and your state legislator in support of these requests.
Peter Aronson, a volunteer writer at the New York League of Conservation Voters since September 2022, is a former journalist and retired attorney. He is the author of Mandalay Hawk’s Dilemma: The United States of Anthropocene, a novel for middle-grade readers about kids fighting global warming. Kirkus Reviews, in a starred review, wrote: “A scathing work and an essential blueprint for youth battling climate change.” To read more about Peter, visit his website www.peteraronsonbooks.com or to purchase his book, click here.