Final NYS Budget Leaves Room for Legislative Leadership on Energy Affordability, Climate, and Environment Before End of 2025 Session

New York Governor Hochul and the Legislature finalized the SFY2025-26 Budget, which offered a mixed bag on climate and environmental issues, leaving a clear need for legislative leadership in the remainder of the legislative session.

The following statement can be attributed to Liz Moran, New York policy advocate for Earthjustice:

“New York’s final budget includes laudable funding for climate and environmental initiatives that will protect our water and cut pollution, but we still expect significant leadership from the Legislature before the 2025 session closes. As the federal administration eliminates more protections every day and subjects people to increased costs and a dirtier environment, New Yorkers are counting on the Legislature to take bold action where the budget fell short. The Legislature must pass new laws to cut energy bills and climate pollution, address relentless utility rate hikes, and protect people from exposure to toxic chemicals.”

Earthjustice continues to review budget bills for details, but offers the following observations:

The Pros: The final deal includes important funding for climate and environmental protections, like the $1 billion Sustainable Future Program, $2 million for a new Green Affordable Pre-Electrification program, a new funding high of $425 million for the Environmental Protection Fund, and a flat $500 million for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act. We are also pleased to see the inclusion of policy to expand universal school meals.

The Cons: However, the budget neglected energy affordability entirely, excluding any funding for the Energy Affordability Program and, once again, the NY HEAT Act (A.4870A/S.4158). The budget also included amendments that weaken New York’s Electric School Bus program.