“We celebrate Governor Hochul’s $1 billion commitment to support building decarbonization, including significant investments in thermal energy networks. This is a critical step toward achieving New York's climate goals, reducing emissions, and building resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure.

To maximize the impact of these investments, we urge the Governor and Legislature to allocate $200 million to advance thermal energy networks at SUNY Purchase and the University at Buffalo, and for additional shovel ready projects at campuses like SUNY ESF and Binghamton University. These projects will create family-sustaining union jobs and serve as flagship models for decarbonized campuses. 

We also reiterate our call to support additional shovel-ready projects across the state, such as an allocation of $15 million to support engineering for the expansion and upgrade of a thermal energy network in Jamestown NY by the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities.

Advancing funding this year for modern, zero-emission thermal energy networks is essential to creating a robust pipeline of projects and delivering the union-led clean energy workforce needed to meet New York's climate goals. 

Thank you, Governor Hochul, for working together to ensure New York is laying the groundwork to transform our state’s infrastructure and communities.”

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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, Building Trades Council of Greater New York, Sierra Club’s Atlantic Chapter and Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE). Learn more at upgradeny.org