For city and state lawmakers, the 2024 session kicked into gear last week with major budgetary announcements from Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Budgetary decisions are critical and can shape the trajectory of environmental policies by influencing resource allocation and priorities. The governor’s and mayor’s budget proposals are more than numbers on a ledger; they indicate their level of commitment to sustainability, conservation, and addressing the climate crisis.
City and state budgets serve as the financial backbone of governmental operations, dictating allocations for various sectors, including critical environmental initiatives.
NYLCV praised Governor Hochul for advocating for measures related to renewable energy transmission capacity as well as the transition away from gas that aligns well with the NY HEAT Act, a top NYLCV priority in 2024. The Building Decarbonization Coalition, of which NYLCV is a leading member, released this statement on the governor’s Affordable Gas Transition Act, and the Renewable Heat Now campaign is calling on the legislature to follow suit and include NY HEAT Act in the Budget
Unfortunately the governor’s proposal also takes a step backward when it comes to funding for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act and the Environmental Protection Fund.
Read NYLCV’s full statement on the governor’s Executive Budget for FY25.
NYLCV praised Mayor Adams for reversing certain budget cuts that would have had a devastating impact on agencies like the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Sanitation. But more needs to be done and we urge the mayor to restore full funding to front-line environmental agencies and programs.
Read NYLCV’s full statement on Mayor Adams’ Preliminary Budget for FY25.
In the weeks and months ahead, we will keep you abreast of the unfolding developments at both levels of government. Furthermore, we implore our members to actively engage in the democratic process, reaching out to Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and legislators to champion our shared environmental priorities. Your voice is instrumental in shaping the clean energy future we all need and deserve.