ALBANY, N.Y., March 13, 2025 — “The Upgrade NY Collaboration applauds the Legislature for prioritizing investments in modern, zero-emission thermal energy networks in their one-house budgets. This critical funding will advance New York’s climate goals, reduce emissions, and build resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure that will serve as a model for campuses and communities across the state.

We urge support in the final enacted budget for $200 million to fund shovel-ready decarbonization at campuses from Buffalo to Purchase to Albany, and to support the transformation of Jamestown’s aging district steam system. These transformative projects will create family-sustaining union jobs, demonstrating the power of a union-led clean energy transition while fostering innovation. By advancing funding this year, New York is laying the foundation for a robust pipeline of projects that will decarbonize our communities and train the workforce needed to lead the transition to clean energy.

We thank the Legislature for working together to ensure that New York is taking bold action to modernize our infrastructure, strengthen our communities, and create a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

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About Us

The UpgradeNY collaboration works together to advocate for affordable solutions to decarbonize New York’s buildings while creating a strong foundation for good-paying union jobs. Members include Building Decarbonization Coalition, New York League of Conservation Voters, The New York State AFL-CIO, ALIGN, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, New York State Building and Construction Trades Council, Sierra Club’s Atlantic Chapter and Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE). Learn more at upgradeny.org