FINANCE

NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE HEARS BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR PARKS, AGRICULTURE AMID CLIMATE CONCERNS — State officials defended Governor Hochul's 2023-2024 budget proposals for parks and agriculture at a joint legislative hearing Tuesday, highlighting record park visitation and major investments in food system resilience and climate adaptation. Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid reported that New York's state parks attracted a record 79 million visitors in 2022 and touted $200 million in proposed capital funding for facility improvements and climate resilience projects. However, he warned that climate change is intensifying challenges, citing 94 beach closures due to harmful algal blooms last summer, including a season-long outbreak at Lake Welch in Harriman State Park that disproportionately affected lower-income communities seeking outdoor recreation. Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball presented a nearly $297 million budget proposal emphasizing food supply chain strengthening through a refundable investment tax credit for farmers and an ambitious goal to expand institutional purchasing of New York food to 30 percent by 2028—potentially directing $400 million annually to state farmers. The budget includes $50 million over five years for scratch cooking facilities to increase fresh farm product use in schools and $1 million for agricultural workforce development targeting migrant workers and asylum-seekers. Sen. Michelle Hinchey, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, pressed Ball on research funding cuts, hemp processing capacity, and opportunities for forest management programs on farmland to generate carbon credits for farmers. Ball acknowledged the Department of Agriculture had lost 100 full-time equivalents during the pandemic but said the proposed 26 new positions would enable the agency to implement the expanding portfolio of climate and food security programs. The hearing, held February 14 in Albany, was the seventh of 13 budget hearings conducted by the Senate Finance Committee and Assembly Ways and Means Committee on the executive budget proposal. NEW YORK STATE BUDGET HEARING FOCUSES ON PARKS VISITATION SURGE, AGRICULTURAL LABOR POLICY Albany — State Parks and Agriculture officials faced pointed questions from lawmakers on February 14 about managing record park visitation, implementing a controversial agricultural overtime tax credit, and balancing renewable energy mandates with farm viability. Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid reported that New York's state parks have experienced record-breaking visitation since the pandemic, creating both opportunities and challenges. Lake Welch alone draws approximately 20,000 visitors weekly during summer months, straining facilities and water quality. The commissioner outlined plans to address overcrowding through a reservation system at popular destinations like Sam's Point, opening new parks including one in Kingston, and rebuilding shuttered facilities at Lake Sebago and other Lower Hudson Valley parks damaged by recent storms. On renewable energy, Kulleseid reported that Parks has achieved 16% renewable energy usage, up from zero five years ago, and is on track to meet a 2030 mandate for 100% renewable energy through solar installations and grid improvements. Senator Serrano (D) praised parks as "foundational" to state budgets and asked about managing increased visitation while maintaining diversity of park users. He highlighted the importance of group camps for inner-city youth and expressed concern about declining access to wilderness experiences for children from the Bronx and East Harlem. Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball defended the Governor's proposed overtime tax credit for farms, which would reimburse farmers at 118% of overtime costs. However, Senator Borrello (R) pushed for quarterly rather than twice-yearly payments to address farm cash flow concerns and questioned whether "strings attached" from special interests might accompany the credit. Ball indicated the state would work with the Department of Tax to potentially move to quarterly disbursements. Borrello also raised concerns about forced electrification of farm operations, arguing that viable alternatives to natural gas do not yet exist for many agricultural uses. "We actually have to do it, and that's by not trying to put them out of business," he said. Ball highlighted the success of the Nourish New York program, which has spent $114 million purchasing New York food for state residents, distributing approximately 25 million pounds of local products. He outlined the Governor's goal of having state institutions purchase $400 million in local agricultural products annually, with a target of 30% of institutional purchases coming from New York growers. Assemblyman Tague (D) advocated for including farmworker housing in the tax credit program and requested $1 million in funding for the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health to support on-farm safety programs. He also asked about productive farmland lost to solar and wind development, expressing concern that New York achieve its energy goals "on the backs of agriculture." The hearing revealed bipartisan concern about agricultural viability amid climate mandates, with lawmakers seeking assurances that renewable energy goals would not undermine farming operations. Parks officials emphasized the need for sustained operational funding to maintain facilities and staff alongside capital investments. NEW YORK STATE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE EXAMINES 2023-2024 AGRICULTURE AND PARKS BUDGETS Albany — The New York State Senate Finance Committee held a joint hearing Tuesday on the Governor's 2023-2024 Executive Budget proposals for agriculture, environmental conservation, and energy, with testimony from Department of Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball and Parks Commissioner Basil Seggos addressing competing priorities in farmland preservation, renewable energy expansion, and state parks infrastructure. Commissioner Ball told lawmakers that New York's 7 million acres of farmland face pressure from development, with 60 percent of that acreage leased rather than owned by farmers. He outlined new agreements with NYSERDA to protect agricultural land through an "avoid, minimize, or mitigate" approach, ensuring that if active farmland is absorbed into energy projects, replacement acreage is preserved elsewhere. On food purchasing, Ball clarified that the Governor's goal to increase state procurement of New York agricultural products to $400 million does not represent new spending, but rather a reallocation of existing state food budgets. The state currently spends approximately $4 million annually on New York products; the $400 million figure represents an extrapolation of what 30 percent local purchasing would achieve across all state agencies. Ball also highlighted agricultural diversity initiatives targeting immigrant and minority farmers, noting that Black farmers in New York number "in the hundreds, not thousands, where it belongs." He said the department has launched a Diversity Workgroup and is working to connect new farmers from agrarian backgrounds to land access, capital, and training. Parks Commissioner Seggos reported that the Governor's proposed budget includes $200 million in capital funding over five years, supplementing $250 million allocated by the Legislature in the prior year. The budget authorizes 237 new permanent positions, addressing staffing shortages that became acute during the COVID-era surge in park visitation. Seggos said the department is incorporating EV charging stations into every parking lot renovation and is working to address decades-old infrastructure problems including failing sewers, septics, and water systems. Senators pressed both commissioners on specific concerns. Sen. Harckham asked how the state can simultaneously scale up renewable energy and protect farmland. Sen. Stec questioned the timing of a snowmobile registration fee increase during inflationary pressures. Sen. Krueger asked detailed questions about parkland protection, agricultural diversity to match New York's changing demographics, and pesticide management. Assemblywoman Woerner raised concerns that State Fair booth rents for maple producers had jumped from $10,000 to $25,000—far exceeding the 1.5 percent increase Commissioner Ball said was expected—and questioned whether the state was pricing agricultural groups out of participation despite investing $14 million in fair infrastructure. Assemblyman Anderson asked about the pace of spending on a $200,000 legislative add for Black farmers enacted in the prior budget, noting that most funds remained unspent. Commissioner Ball said RFPs went out in January and responses are due at month's end. The hearing revealed broad support for both agencies' work but also highlighted implementation challenges and calls for expanded funding in areas including avian disease research, spotted lantern fly eradication, and processing infrastructure for dairy and meat products. NEW YORK STATE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE EXAMINES 2023-2024 AGRICULTURE AND PARKS BUDGET Albany — The New York State Senate Finance Committee held a joint hearing Tuesday on the Governor's 2023-2024 Executive Budget proposals for agriculture, environmental conservation, and energy, with testimony revealing tensions over funding cuts to agricultural research programs and questions about equitable park access in lower-income neighborhoods. Commissioner Richard Ball of the Department of Agriculture and Markets defended the budget's $50 million allocation for scratch cooking kitchens in schools and highlighted the administration's commitment to supporting organic farming and local food systems. He announced plans for a New York Grown & Certified food hub in the South Bronx, a project he said has taken decades to develop, and discussed ongoing work on a cap-and-invest program that could include a Clean Fuel Standard affecting agriculture. However, Assemblyman Lemondes raised alarm over proposed cuts to agricultural research programs, citing reductions including a 50,000 dollar cut to Cornell concord grape research, a 481,000 dollar cut to Cornell animal health surveillance, a 17 percent reduction to the Cornell pro-dairy program, and the complete elimination of funding for sheep producers and Johne's disease research. "This concerns me greatly," Lemondes said, warning that the cuts would cede New York's position as a leader in agricultural research to other states. Commissioner Erik Kulleseid of State Parks defended the Executive Budget's $200 million parks operations proposal, noting it matches the prior year's allocation and that major capital projects like the Sojourner Truth State Park buildout would be funded through the Bond Act. He acknowledged challenges with equitable park distribution, particularly in dense urban neighborhoods like Lower Manhattan and the South Bronx, and discussed efforts to recruit diverse staff and expand EV charging infrastructure. Sen. Hinchey pressed Ball on the impact of the Clean Fuel Standard on the dairy industry and expressed concern about solar development consuming farmland, noting that even with mitigation efforts, "we still inevitably get to half." She emphasized the need to ensure family farms remain economically viable for the next generation. Katie Baildon of the Northeast Organic Farming Association testified that New York ranks third nationally in organic farms and leads the nation in organic field crop acreage and organic livestock operations. She requested $200,000 for a project to improve accessibility of organic certification materials and urged the committee to maintain $16 million for Soil and Water Conservation Districts and $16.75 million for the Climate Resilient Farming Program. Chairwoman Krueger noted that approximately 80 people requested to testify at the hearing, with only 30 selected, and warned that the hearing would extend well into the evening given the number of government and public panels scheduled. NEW YORK STATE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE — Agricultural advocates testified before the Legislature on Tuesday that the Governor's 2023-2024 budget proposal falls short of protecting the state's farmland and supporting farmers facing retirement, while environmental officials outlined ambitious climate and water infrastructure initiatives. Mikaela Perry of the American Farmland Trust told the joint legislative hearing that New York's 9 million acres of farmland—some of the nation's best—faces unprecedented threats. She noted that over one-third of the state's farmers are ready to retire, putting roughly 2 million acres at risk of residential and solar development. Without increased protection, the state could lose 300,000 acres in less than 20 years, Perry warned. The Governor proposed $21 million for farmland protection, but Perry requested $25 million as part of a broader $400 million Environmental Protection Fund. She also asked the Legislature to restore $500,000 in funding for the Farmland for a New Generation program, which has facilitated 127 matches between retiring farmers and new operators, protecting over 8,000 acres. Perry highlighted the potential of school meal procurement programs, noting that expanding the 30 percent local food incentive to include breakfast could generate half a billion dollars in economic impact for New York agriculture. Currently, schools leave $5 million in available Farm-to-School funding unused annually due to administrative barriers in tracking purchases separately for lunch versus breakfast. Katie Baildon of the Northeast Organic Farming Association requested $200,000 to make organic certification materials more accessible to farmers, particularly Spanish-speaking and beginning farmers. The funding was not included in the Governor's budget. Sen. Borrello (R) expressed strong skepticism about solar development on farmland, characterizing solar companies as profit-driven speculators in the "government subsidy business" rather than genuine energy providers. He criticized the use of Chinese-made panels and inadequate mitigation requirements, advocating for prioritizing farmland preservation. Sen. Walczyk (R) criticized the hearing's emphasis on environmental and energy issues over agriculture, noting that only two agricultural advocates were testifying while numerous environmental groups were scheduled. He emphasized that food production is essential to human survival and expressed disappointment that the Governor zeroed out local agriculture programs. Sen. Krueger (D), the committee chair, responded that no farm groups were turned down from testifying and noted that environmental groups also care about farming because environmental stewardship is essential to agricultural survival. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos presented the administration's environmental agenda, highlighting the Climate Action Council's Scoping Plan, the $4.2 billion Bond Act approved by voters at 68 percent, and proposed investments of $500 million in clean water and $400 million in the Environmental Protection Fund. He announced record staffing increases of 231 positions and noted that DEC delivered $1.1 billion in water infrastructure grants and $150 million specifically to Mount Vernon. The hearing underscored tensions between agricultural and environmental priorities in the state budget, with legislators debating whether sufficient resources are being allocated to protect farmland while pursuing climate and energy goals. NEW YORK STATE OFFICIALS OUTLINE AGGRESSIVE CLIMATE AND ENERGY AGENDA IN BUDGET HEARING State energy and environmental officials testified before the Legislature on Tuesday in support of Governor Hochul's 2023-2024 budget proposals, which include sweeping climate initiatives, renewable energy investments, and building decarbonization measures aimed at achieving the state's ambitious clean energy goals. NYSERDA President Doreen Harris highlighted the Climate Action Council's Scoping Plan, developed after 11 public hearings and 35,000 public comments, which lays out a comprehensive strategy to achieve aggressive climate and clean energy goals while ensuring environmental justice. Harris detailed the Governor's proposed cap-and-invest program and a three-part building sector strategy that would require zero-emission new construction by 2025 for residential buildings and 2028 for commercial buildings, and phase out fossil fuel heating equipment by 2030-2035. The $200 million EmPower Plus home retrofit program would help 20,000 low-income families improve energy efficiency and switch to clean heating alternatives, Harris said. She also outlined renewable energy targets including 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind, 3,000 megawatts of energy storage, and 10,000 megawatts of distributed solar. NYSERDA is managing a portfolio of 120 projects totaling 14,200 megawatts that will power 66 percent of the state's electricity grid and support over 23,000 jobs once operational. NYPA Acting President Justin Driscoll described the authority's role as owner of 16 generating facilities producing 25 percent of state power—80 percent renewable hydropower—and operator of 1,400 circuit miles of transmission lines. He noted that NYPA's economic development programs have supported 440,000 jobs and $32 billion in capital investment, and that the authority has invested $3.6 billion in energy-efficiency projects generating $266 million in annual taxpayer savings. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos fielded extensive questioning from legislators about budget implementation, particularly regarding Environmental Protection Fund allocations, Bond Act timelines, and emerging contaminants remediation. He committed to providing details on EPF line item changes and said Bond Act criteria would be released for public comment in April or May. Seggos noted that DEC will receive 231 additional staff and made a record $1 billion in grants last year. Sen. Pete Harckham, chair of Environmental Conservation, pressed Seggos on funding gaps and program details, questioning the vagueness of emerging contaminants language and the state's authority over radiological discharges at Indian Point. Sen. Michelle Hinchey, chair of Agriculture, challenged NYSERDA on solar development incentives on farmland, arguing that current protections are insufficient and expressing frustration that farmland remains in the Build Ready incentive program despite stated commitments to farmland protection. The hearing, held before the Finance Committee and environmental committees, reflected broad legislative support for the climate agenda but also revealed tensions over implementation details and the pace of environmental protections. New York State environmental and energy officials faced pointed questions from lawmakers on February 14 about water infrastructure funding, renewable energy development, and the feasibility of the state's ambitious climate goals during a joint legislative budget hearing. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos acknowledged that grant programs for water infrastructure "are still not working" for municipalities, as Sen. Hinchey pressed for dedicated CHIPS-like funding. Seggos said the state has identified 1,900 inactive landfills awaiting closure and is testing which pose risks to drinking water supplies. The hearing revealed tensions between environmental protection and renewable energy expansion. Sen. Borrello expressed alarm that the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) can override DEC environmental regulations, citing habitat destruction from wind projects. "There's this foolish notion that we have to destroy the environment in order to save the planet," Borrello said, questioning whether New York's increasing power imports from coal plants align with climate goals. NYSERDA President Doreen Harris defended the state's approach, noting that the Climate Law explicitly excluded biofuels from renewable programs and that the state's integration analysis found continued operation of upstate nuclear plants "central to the achievement of our goals." She outlined a 6-gigawatt energy storage expansion and emphasized that building electrification would begin with new construction and equipment replacement rather than retrofits. Assemblywoman Barrett raised concerns that rural communities are being excluded from water infrastructure funding because they lack existing systems to improve, and questioned whether excluding biofuels puts New York at a disadvantage compared to other states pursuing climate goals. NYPA Acting President Craig Driscoll discussed the Clean Path NY transmission project, which will deliver 7.5 million megawatts per year of renewable power from upstate wind and solar into New York City. However, Assemblyman Manktelow noted that Driscoll could not provide a ballpark figure for how much renewable generation is currently online, only that Invenergy's projects represent over 2,000 megawatts. Sen. Gonzalez pressed NYPA to lead renewable development independently rather than partner with private tax equity investors, arguing the Governor's proposal leaves "potentially billions of dollars in federal money on the table." She questioned why labor standards were removed from the proposal. The hearing underscored ongoing debates over balancing environmental protection, climate ambition, and economic feasibility as the state pursues its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals. New York State officials faced pointed questioning from skeptical lawmakers on Tuesday about the feasibility and cost of the state's ambitious climate transition, as the Senate Finance Committee held a joint hearing on the 2023-2024 executive budget for energy and environmental conservation. NYSERDA President Harris confirmed that the state's climate transition could cost between $270 billion and $295 billion—a figure that drew sharp criticism from several senators who questioned who would ultimately pay for the massive grid overhaul and building retrofits. Senator Mattera pressed Harris on whether the transition was achievable by 2030, citing estimates that retrofitting could cost $50,000 per home, and questioned the state's public communication strategy about the transition. Senator Stec raised concerns about grid capacity, noting that downstate summer capacity is 92 percent dependent on fossil fuels compared to 30 percent upstate, and questioned whether New York is following Germany's path of struggling to meet renewable energy targets. He also highlighted the challenge of EV charging infrastructure in dense urban areas, noting that New York City's goal of 10,000 charging points by 2030 would represent only one-third of 1 percent of the city's 3 million street parking spaces. DEC Commissioner Seggos confirmed that the executive budget adheres to the mandate that at least 35 percent of clean energy spending benefit environmental justice communities, and stated that the cap-and-invest program will not allow emissions trading inside and outside disadvantaged communities. However, he acknowledged the program is still in early design stages and will be rolled out throughout the year. Senator Ramos raised concerns about worker protections, asking whether cap-and-invest investments will include labor standards and highlighting a fatal crash involving six Central and South American workers traveling to a solar farm project in St. Lawrence County. Assemblywoman Lunsford noted that the $500 million Bond Act allocation for electric school buses would purchase fewer than 1,000 buses—less than 2 percent of the state's total—and raised concerns about supply chain constraints. Assemblywoman Woerner asked detailed questions about transmission capacity planning for EV charging corridors, noting that rest stop plazas would need 5 megawatts of power by 2030 and 20 megawatts by 2040. Senator Gounardes criticized DEC's responsiveness on the Gowanus cleanup, calling it the top complaint from constituents, and raised concerns about the agency's role in permitting last-mile warehouses as truck traffic is projected to increase 67 percent in New York City. The hearing revealed significant tensions between the administration's climate goals and concerns about affordability, grid capacity, and implementation feasibility, with multiple lawmakers requesting detailed written responses on outstanding questions. NEW YORK STATE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE EXAMINES GOVERNOR'S 2023-2024 CLIMATE AND ENERGY BUDGET PROPOSALS Albany — State energy and environmental officials faced pointed questioning from lawmakers on Tuesday over the Governor's ambitious climate agenda, including expanded renewable energy development, building electrification, and a cap-and-invest emissions program, during a joint legislative hearing on the 2023-2024 executive budget. The hearing revealed significant tensions between the administration's climate goals and concerns about implementation costs, private sector competition, and rural infrastructure challenges. Acting NYPA President Driscoll testified that the Inflation Reduction Act fundamentally changed the agency's ability to develop renewable energy projects, allowing it to directly serve governmental customers without private developer intermediaries. However, Sen. O'Mara challenged whether this would create unfair competitive advantages over the private sector, noting that NYPA had opposed the proposal in July due to lack of capacity and ineligibility for tax credits. "Are you going to create an economic advantage the Power Authority has over the private sector?" O'Mara asked. Driscoll responded that NYPA would partner with the private sector wherever possible and had not "crowded out anybody" on transmission projects. NYSERDA President Harris reported that New York has 11,000 EV charging stations, but only 2,000-3,000 are publicly available—a figure that drew criticism from Assemblyman Epstein, who noted that residents cannot easily find publicly accessible chargers and called for a state system to identify them. Harris confirmed that buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state and outlined the Governor's proposal for zero-emissions new construction by 2026 for buildings three stories or less, and 2029 for taller buildings. Sen. Salazar questioned the three-story threshold, asking whether it would result in fossil fuel-burning buildings being added to the housing stock during the transition. DEC Commissioner Seggos stated unequivocally that the state will not reconsider its 2014 fracking ban, citing environmental damage in other states. He also explained that the cap-and-invest program remains conceptual and is being developed through stakeholder consultation. Sen. Krueger, the committee chair, raised concerns about the cap-and-invest program's perpetual free allowances for "energy-intensive and trade-exposed" industries, saying the language made her "nervous as a legislator." She also questioned whether the Governor's building electrification timelines unnecessarily delay progress by aligning with national code cycles. Sen. Oberacker, citing his experience as a former school bus driver, raised concerns about the weight of battery banks on rural bridges and infrastructure, signaling skepticism about the feasibility of statewide electric school bus adoption without addressing infrastructure limitations. Sen. O'Mara cited an EPA report showing a 28 percent increase in New York State CO2 emissions since the closure of Indian Point nuclear plant, and questioned why the state is not using cleaner natural gas instead of oil in peaker plants during the transition to renewables. The hearing underscored ongoing disagreements between lawmakers and the administration over the pace, cost, and implementation details of New York's climate agenda, even as there appeared to be broad support for the underlying goals of reducing emissions and expanding renewable energy. NEW YORK STATE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARING ON 2023-2024 ENVIRONMENTAL BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS TENSIONS OVER CAP-AND-INVEST OVERSIGHT Albany — Legislators raised sharp concerns about executive authority and implementation details during a joint legislative hearing on the 2023-2024 budget for environmental conservation and energy on Tuesday, with particular focus on the Governor's cap-and-invest climate program and renewable energy initiatives. Sen. Pete Harckham and Sen. Michelle Hinchey both expressed skepticism about the cap-and-invest proposal, citing lack of specificity on how revenue beyond the mandated 35 percent for environmental justice communities would be allocated. "I don't see a legislature voting to give an administration the authority to raise and spend that much money without guardrails, parameters, and a plan," Sen. Harckham said, requesting written details on the Climate Action Fund structure. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos defended the program, stating the department already has authority to establish emissions caps and allowance systems, while the investment side requires legislative input. He noted the Governor's proposal would generate a minimum of $1 billion from allowance sales to help New Yorkers defray climate transition costs. Labor protections emerged as another contentious issue. Assemblyman Mamdani criticized the Governor's Build Public Renewables Act for stripping labor language from the legislative version, including project labor agreements and prevailing wage requirements for subcontractors. He noted that IBEW 1049 representative Pat Guidice had called the legislative version "the best protections he'd ever seen on labor." Acting NYPA President Driscoll countered that the Governor's proposal includes a $25 million labor training set-aside not in the original bill. On heat pump deployment, NYSERDA President Doreen Harris reported that heat pumps outsold furnaces nationwide in 2022 and performed well in recent cold snaps when paired with efficient homes, addressing concerns raised by Assemblywoman Fahy about reliability in upstate New York's colder climate. Water infrastructure spending reached record levels, with DEC reporting over $1 billion in annual spending in 2022, including $564 million in WIIA grants, $241 million for emerging contaminants, and $246 million under the Clean Water Infrastructure Act. However, Assemblywoman Giglio raised urgent concerns about the Brookhaven Town Landfill closure scheduled for 2024, noting that four rail stations proposed to move construction and demolition waste off Long Island remain in permitting phase. Assemblyman Burdick raised a critical conflict between the Governor's housing compact and NYC watershed protection laws, noting that New York City has virtual veto power over wastewater treatment plant expansions. He requested DEC work with the city to reconcile these competing objectives. The hearing underscored legislative frustration with implementation timelines and lack of written details on major climate initiatives, with multiple lawmakers requesting specific plans and accountability measures before approving broad executive authority. New York State energy officials testified before the Legislature on February 14 that the state is on track to meet its aggressive 2030 renewable energy goals, with current operations, contracts, and construction sufficient to generate 66 percent of the state's electricity from renewables by that deadline—approaching the 70 percent target mandated by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Public Service Commission Chair Rory Christian reported that the state has deployed $567 million in COVID-era utility bill relief to 330,000 low-income households and approved a second phase providing $672 million to 480,000 families and 50,000 small businesses. Governor Hochul has proposed an additional $400 million in affordability programs, including $200 million to expand monthly discounts to 800,000 households earning under $75,000 annually and $200 million for the EmPower Plus program to retrofit 20,000 homes with energy-efficient upgrades. The Office of Renewable Energy Siting reported issuing 11 final permits for renewable energy projects totaling 1.7 gigawatts of capacity, with most approvals completed within six months—the fastest pace in state history. Director Houtan Moaveni said the office has not rejected any applicants and has a pipeline of 62 projects totaling 9 gigawatts in pre-application phases. The 11 permitted projects are expected to generate $200 million in community benefits and create 3,000 full-time-equivalent jobs. However, senators raised concerns about several issues. Sen. Pete Harckham questioned a budget line item regarding caps on residential energy usage, expressing concern about lack of transparency. Sen. Salazar vehemently opposed continued PSC approval of fracked gas expansion, citing a PSC-commissioned report concluding that National Grid's proposed LNG vaporizers in Greenpoint were unnecessary. Assemblywoman Didi Barrett questioned whether the state's transmission infrastructure can support the 2030 timeline and raised constituent complaints about record utility bills from Central Hudson. Assemblywoman Glick raised concerns about gas infrastructure investments with 50-year lifespans conflicting with the state's goal to transition off natural gas within 20 years, questioning why ratepayers should fund such long-lived assets. She also asked about agricultural land protection as renewable projects accelerate, and about environmental review processes for offshore wind projects and their impacts on migratory birds. The hearing underscored the state's commitment to clean energy transition while revealing tensions between climate goals, infrastructure investment timelines, consumer affordability, and environmental protection. New York State officials faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers over the pace and local impacts of the renewable energy transition during a joint legislative budget hearing on Tuesday. The hearing revealed significant tensions between state climate goals and community concerns about farmland conversion, grid costs, and local control over solar siting decisions. OREES Executive Director Moaveni defended the state's 94-c siting process, which streamlines renewable energy permitting, stating that local governments have multiple opportunities for meaningful participation including public hearings and consultation requirements. However, he acknowledged that the state office can override local laws if deemed "unreasonably burdensome" relative to climate targets. To date, ORES has issued 11 final permits and is reviewing 17 total projects. Senator Darryl Stec (R-Queensbury) challenged the math underlying solar expansion, noting that meeting the state's 2040 renewable electricity goal would require approximately 245,000 acres of solar development based on NYISO estimates of 39,000 megawatts needed capacity. He pressed Moaveni on whether local governments ultimately have approval authority or merely provide input, and questioned PSC Chair Darryl Christian about grid resilience during extreme weather. Senator Michelle Hinchey (D-Kingston) raised the most pointed objections, representing 56 municipalities where communities report feeling unheard in the siting process. She cited two solar projects in one town consuming over 10 percent of its land area and questioned why farmland remains eligible for state incentives if the state claims not to actively site on agricultural land. She argued that agrivoltaic technology—which would allow dual farming and solar use—does not yet exist at commercial scale and urged the state to halt farmland siting until the technology is viable. Assemblyman Manktelow noted that farmers in his district are repeatedly solicited for solar projects despite declining, with 5,200 acres of prime agricultural land targeted by two projects. He pressed Moaveni on the definition of "maximum extent practicable" for farmland avoidance. On affordability, PSC Chair Christian outlined a pilot program capping energy costs at 6 percent of household income for low-income New Yorkers, affecting upwards of 500,000 households. However, Senator O'Mara (R-Batavia) questioned the lack of clear cost-benefit analysis, noting that the state has not provided ratepayers with specific impacts of major transmission projects like the Clean Path line or Champlain Hudson Line. Chair Christian acknowledged the $275 billion total cost for climate transition but said the distribution among ratepayers, taxpayers, and cap-and-invest revenues remains undetermined. Assemblywoman Giglio raised concerns about battery energy storage systems, noting that local moratoriums are being imposed as communities resist siting near their homes, and questioned whether the state would override local decisions. She also advocated for transparent utility billing showing the renewable energy cost component. The hearing underscored a fundamental challenge: achieving aggressive climate targets while maintaining local input and protecting agricultural land and affordability. NEW YORK STATE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE — A joint legislative hearing on the 2023-2024 executive budget for energy, agriculture, and environmental conservation revealed deep tensions between New York's clean energy transition goals and concerns about utility affordability and infrastructure investment priorities. Public Service Commission Chair John Christian defended the state's progress toward Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goals, stating New York is "on target" to meet 2030 renewable energy benchmarks. However, multiple legislators challenged the administration's energy policy direction, particularly regarding the exclusion of biomass from renewable portfolios and the continued expansion of natural gas infrastructure. Chairwoman Krueger raised pointed questions about why Governor Hochul removed the New York HEAT Act from this year's budget after including it last year. The legislation would reform the "100-foot rule" that Krueger said costs ratepayers "hundreds of millions of dollars annually" by subsidizing gas service expansion. Chair Christian acknowledged the rule "appears to not line up perfectly" with CLCPA goals but defended the transition as a multi-decade process requiring balanced investment. Utility affordability emerged as a critical concern. Assemblyman Mamdani cited data showing 1.2 million residential customers and 128,000 small businesses faced $1.95 billion in utility debt as of September 2022. While the Governor announced $672 million in relief, Mamdani argued this leaves $1.3 billion unaddressed and characterized the state's approach as "inflicting a wound on the working class...every few years and then applying an annual Band-Aid." Assemblyman Epstein criticized the Make Ready EV charging program for subsidizing private garage charging at $700 per month rather than publicly accessible stations, arguing government dollars should prioritize affordability for lower-income New Yorkers. The Office of Renewable Energy Siting reported 62 projects in its pipeline for the coming year, with zero being nuclear or biomass facilities—a point Sen. Walczyk challenged, arguing biomass exclusion from the CLCPA was "a mistake." Chair Christian noted the state has helped 500,000 to 600,000 low-income New Yorkers and 50,000 to 60,000 small businesses through arrears relief programs, and emphasized New York is "well-positioned" to capture federal infrastructure funding compared to other states. He also discussed hydrogen infrastructure challenges, noting hydrogen can be safely mixed up to 20 percent in natural gas pipes but that aging pipe infrastructure and embrittlement risks remain concerns. The hearing underscored ongoing disagreements over whether the state's energy transition strategy adequately balances reliability, affordability, and climate goals. Environmental advocates and state officials testified before the New York State Legislature on February 14 on the 2023-2024 executive budget for agriculture, environmental conservation, and energy, with testimony revealing significant gaps between the Governor's proposals and advocates' priorities for climate action and environmental protection. The hearing, held jointly by Senate and Assembly committees, featured testimony from Public Service Commission Chair Christian and Office of Renewable Energy Siting Executive Director Moaveni on government programs, followed by representatives from the Natural Resources Defense Council, Earthjustice, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, New York League of Conservation Voters, and Environmental Advocates New York. Key contentions emerged around climate funding and implementation. Environmental Advocates New York's Conor Bambrick urged the Legislature to establish a dedicated Climate and Community Protection Fund, warning that the Governor's proposed cap-and-invest program may take 18 months to two years to generate funds. "New Yorkers cannot afford to wait that long," Bambrick testified. The advocates also called for $1 billion in Clean Water Infrastructure Act funding, citing DEC and DOH estimates that $80 billion is needed to repair aging water pipes statewide. On waste reduction, Citizens Campaign for the Environment's Adrienne Esposito strongly advocated for the Packaging Waste Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (EPR), noting that waste comprises 11-12 percent of greenhouse gas emissions—nearly as much as electricity generation at 13 percent. She cited British Columbia's successful EPR program, which has enrolled 1,100 producers and removes 75 percent of the waste stream. Building electrification emerged as a consensus priority. Earthjustice's Liz Moran testified that all-electric new construction would save New Yorkers an average of $900 annually on energy bills and enjoys 66 percent public support. Multiple advocates urged inclusion of the NY HEAT Act and the Senator Kavanagh/Assemblymember Gallagher All-Electric Building Act in the final budget. Senator Walczyk raised pointed questions about heat pump refrigerants, which he noted have 400 to 2,000 times the global warming potential of CO2. He questioned whether the state should mandate in-state manufacturing of these refrigerants rather than importing them, and whether heat pumps truly represent a climate solution. NRDC's Richard Schrader acknowledged the concern but argued that existing fossil fuel emissions remain the more immediate threat. On fossil fuel subsidies, Schrader testified that New York State provides approximately $1.5 billion annually in tax breaks, credits, and grants to the fossil fuel industry—"totally misaligned with the Climate Act." He advocated for the Stop Climate Polluter Handouts bill, which would target $330 million of the most egregious subsidies, including those for bunker fuel and aviation fuel. Assemblyman Keith Brown expressed skepticism about the Governor's Housing Compact proposal, characterizing it as "a complete assault on home rule" that could harm local environments without adequate infrastructure planning. Assemblywoman Glick similarly opposed lifting New York City's floor area ratio cap without affordable housing guarantees, noting it would enable large-scale developments like Hudson Yards. Local concerns also surfaced. Senator Mattera raised questions about whether Long Island would receive its fair share of the $4.2 billion Bond Act funding, which voters approved with 67 percent support. Assemblywoman Giglio highlighted water contamination in Manorville from the Grumman plume and PFAS/PFOS contamination, questioning whether the state is doing its part to ensure clean water access. The hearing underscored tensions between the Governor's budget proposals and advocates' calls for more aggressive climate action, faster timelines for building electrification, and substantially increased funding for water infrastructure and climate implementation. NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE HEARS TESTIMONY ON 2023-2024 ENVIRONMENTAL BUDGET; OFFICERS, RANGERS SEEK FUNDING INCREASES Albany — Environmental advocates, state law enforcement officials, and conservation groups testified before a joint legislative committee on Valentine's Day, urging lawmakers to increase funding for water infrastructure, environmental enforcement, and forest management in the 2023-2024 state budget. The hearing, held by the Joint Legislative Committee on Finance, focused on the executive budget proposals for agriculture, environmental conservation, and energy. Testifiers highlighted critical funding gaps and unmet needs across multiple environmental sectors. Environmental Conservation Officers requested $13.6 million to hire 90 additional officers for climate justice communities, citing 60 current vacancies and stagnant staffing levels since the 1970s. Director Matt Krug noted that in 2022 alone, officers completed over 25,000 calls for endangered species, nuisance bears, spills, and pollution enforcement. He emphasized that only 7 percent of officers are female and less than 1 percent are ethnically diverse, and that pension parity is needed to attract qualified candidates from underrepresented communities. Forest Rangers also sought increased funding and support for the 20-year pension benefit, which has been vetoed twice by Governor Hochul. Director Art Perryman highlighted the tragic suicide of Forest Ranger Captain Chris Kostoss, who struggled with mental health issues and felt unable to retire after 22 years of service. "Had Chris been able to walk away and take care of himself, he might still be here with us today," Perryman testified. Water infrastructure emerged as a major concern. Riverkeeper testified that 20 billion gallons of raw sewage flow into New York City waters annually—equivalent to 72 Empire State Buildings full of sewage per year. The organization requested $1 billion in clean water infrastructure funding, noting that communities across the state need $5.7 billion just for a year's worth of infrastructure projects. Jeremy Cherson also highlighted the problem of over 1,600 dams on the Hudson River blocking fish passage. Environmental advocates praised the state's $4.2 billion environmental bond act, passed in November, and the 30-year-old Environmental Protection Fund. However, multiple testifiers opposed a proposal to offload staffing costs into the Environmental Protection Fund, arguing it would undermine the program's effectiveness. Legislators expressed strong bipartisan support for the 20-year pension benefit for officers and rangers. Assemblyman Lemondes, a retired military officer, said: "The fact that our state doesn't recognize that again surprises me. And we have to do everything possible to change that." Assemblyman Manktelow raised the question of budget prioritization, arguing that water infrastructure should take precedence over rapid electrification. "You can live without electric. You can't live without water," he said. However, testifiers argued the state must fund both clean energy transition and water protection, with one advocate calling it a "false choice." The hearing also addressed emerging issues including electric vehicle fire response capabilities, anaerobic digesters for food waste management, and forest management strategies to prepare for potential large-scale wildfires in the Adirondacks. Environmental advocates and clean energy representatives urged New York lawmakers on Tuesday to include robust funding for water infrastructure, building electrification, and renewable energy in the 2023-2024 state budget, while raising concerns about emerging contaminants and the adequacy of proposed funding levels. During a joint legislative hearing on the executive budget, David Ansel of Save the Sound requested a $1 billion investment in the Clean Water Infrastructure Act to address nitrogen pollution in Long Island Sound, where water temperatures are rising at 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit per decade. Jeremy Cherson of Riverkeeper highlighted approximately 1,600 legacy dams in New York and advocated for their removal to restore fish habitat, noting that herring returned to Troy within a week after a dam removal following 85 years of absence. Cherson also raised alarm about CSX rail lines along the Hudson River carrying toxic chemicals in inadequately regulated tank cars, citing the recent Ohio vinyl chloride accident. He called for increased state funding for track and bridge inspectors, noting there is only one federal bridge inspector for the Northeast. Senator Pete Harckham questioned whether the Governor's $60 million plan for emerging contaminants was sufficient, with Jeremy Cherson noting that only $20 million comes from existing bond act funding, leaving questions about the source of the remaining $40 million. On building electrification, Lisa Marshall of New Yorkers for Clean Power testified that heat pumps can dramatically reduce heating costs—citing one customer who reduced annual heating expenses from $4,000 on propane to $400 with a geothermal system. She requested inclusion of the NY HEAT Act in the budget, noting that key elements were included last year but are missing from this year's proposal. Laurie Wheelock of the Public Utility Law Project testified that New York's energy affordability program, which aims to keep low-income families' energy costs at 6 percent of monthly income, is under-enrolled by approximately 1.1 million households. She supported the Governor's proposal to expand eligibility to moderate-income families. Anne Reynolds of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York opposed the Governor's proposal to expand the New York Power Authority's authority to develop and finance renewable energy projects, arguing it would create unfair competition with private developers and potentially chill private renewable development. She noted that New York needs 25 utility-scale wind and solar construction starts per year through 2028 to achieve 70 percent renewable energy by 2030, compared to 16 projects currently under construction. The hearing was held before the Senate Finance Committee and Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee on February 14, 2023. NEW YORK STATE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON CLEAN ENERGY INCENTIVES, HEAT PUMP TECHNOLOGY, AND ENERGY STORAGE — At a joint legislative hearing on the 2023-2024 executive budget, advocates, engineers, and industry representatives testified on Tuesday evening about the state's progress toward its climate goals, with particular focus on heat pump technology, energy storage, and utility affordability. The hearing revealed significant debate over the feasibility and timeline of New York's proposed fossil fuel phase-out. Laurie Wheelock of PULP (People United for Sustainable Power) highlighted the organization's work assisting low-income households with utility bills and advocated for intervenor funding—a bill passed by the Legislature but vetoed by the Governor in December—to help local groups participate in utility rate cases. She also raised concerns about late payment fees on utility bills, citing a case where a Queens resident faced $60 in monthly late charges on a $4,000 bill. Lisa Marshall of New Yorkers for Clean Power testified that heat pump incentives have improved significantly, with more funding now directed to low-to-moderate-income households. However, she emphasized the need for "GAP funding" to address pre-electrification barriers such as mold, lead, asbestos, and structural problems in New York's aging housing stock. Marshall noted that HeatSmart helped over 1,000 people install heat pumps in the last three years, with about 30 percent of clients ultimately installing energy-efficiency measures. Sen. Walczyk engaged in a pointed exchange with Marshall about the practical feasibility of heat pump technology in extreme cold, noting his personal experience with air-source heat pumps at minus 31 degrees in Watertown. He raised concerns about the state's proposed 2030 ban on fossil fuel replacements, asking how homeowners with emergency heating needs would manage if their furnace failed in winter. Marshall acknowledged that installations take longer than a day but said companies provide space heaters during the transition. Margaret Reilly, a professional engineer, provided personal testimony about her family's successful transition to an all-electric home using air-source heat pumps and rooftop solar. She demonstrated that heat pumps can function effectively in cold climates, maintaining comfortable temperatures during a minus 18-degree cold snap without backup heat. Her family reduced annual carbon emissions from 15 tons to 1.5 tons. John Ciovacco of the New York Geothermal Energy Organization testified in support of the All-Electric Buildings Act and advocated for a geothermal sales tax exemption to achieve parity with solar incentives. He noted that geothermal systems represent permanent energy infrastructure lasting as long as a building's foundation. Denise Sheehan of the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) emphasized that energy storage is essential to achieving the state's climate goals. She noted that while the state has proposed increasing its energy storage goal from 3 gigawatts to 6 gigawatts by 2030, recent studies indicate the state will need more than 15 gigawatts by 2040. She requested support for legislation (S4547) to exempt energy storage from state sales and use taxes. Sen. Harckham underscored the critical importance of energy storage, stating that "without storage, the whole thing falls apart." Sen. Mattera, who works in the plumbing business, raised concerns about public awareness of the fossil fuel phase-out and the ability of low-income households with limited electrical service to afford electrification. The hearing was held on February 14, 2023, before the Senate Finance Committee. The New York State Legislature held a joint hearing on the 2023-2024 executive budget for agriculture, environmental conservation, and energy on February 14, 2023, featuring contentious testimony on renewable energy storage, building electrification, and waste reduction policies. On energy storage, testifiers largely supported the state's goal of reaching 6 gigawatts of storage capacity through a NYSERDA and Department of Public Service roadmap, though industry representatives urged the Legislature to enshrine the target in statute. The current 3-gigawatt goal is widely acknowledged as insufficient. Heat pump technology drew mixed reactions. Margaret Reilly, a Central New York homeowner, testified that her $20,000 air-source heat pump system (after incentives) operated successfully during a minus-18 degree cold snap, providing quiet, consistent heating. However, Sen. Walczyk challenged her account, noting her Mitsubishi units are rated only to minus 14 degrees and questioning whether her situation—which required no utility infrastructure upgrades—was representative. Contractor John Ciovacco estimated geothermal conversion for a 5,000-square-foot Long Island home would cost approximately $100,000 before federal tax credits and rebates. Sen. Mattera expressed skepticism about solar reliability in upstate New York, citing that Buffalo receives only 54 sunny days annually compared to Phoenix's 300, and questioned battery storage duration (4-6 hours for lithium-ion systems). Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) proposals dominated the second panel. Judith Enck of Beyond Plastics strongly supported the Harckham-May EPR bill, which mandates 50 percent plastic reduction over 10-12 years, citing the Ohio train derailment involving vinyl chloride and Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" as evidence of the plastics crisis. She opposed including EPR in the budget, arguing it requires detailed legislative consideration. The National Waste & Recycling Association's Lew Dubuque countered that post-consumer recycled content (PCR) standards—like New Jersey's recent law—would be more effective than EPR. Sen. Harckham challenged this position, noting five states have adopted EPR and questioning whether PCR would achieve the estimated $240 million in municipal cost savings that NYCOM and New York City have calculated for EPR. The paper industry, represented by the American Forest & Paper Association and Empire State Forest Products Association, opposed including printed paper products in EPR schemes, citing their 68 percent recovery rate and $5 billion in planned manufacturing investments. They also expressed concerns about single-stream recycling contamination and advocated for dual-stream systems. All panelists agreed EPR should not be included in the budget process, with Assemblywoman Glick noting universal consensus that this is a policy matter requiring separate legislative consideration. NEW YORK STATE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARING ON 2023-2024 BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, AND ENERGY — ALBANY — A joint legislative hearing on the Governor's 2023-2024 executive budget for agriculture, environmental conservation, and energy drew sharp testimony on recycling policy, forest management, and state park funding on Feb. 14. Judith Enck, an environmental advocate, delivered pointed testimony opposing chemical and advanced recycling, calling them "false solutions" and "marketing schemes" by the plastics industry. She cited data showing only 8 chemical recycling facilities exist in the entire United States, with 7 located in low-income communities of color. Enck stated that chemical recycling is "a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, air toxins, water pollution" and opposed Sen. Mannion's bill exempting such facilities from state solid waste laws. "If it's so clean, why do you have to exempt it from our state laws?" she asked. She noted that the U.S. plastic recycling rate stands at just 5-6 percent, with over 90 percent of plastics never being recycled. Sen. Palumbo engaged in a skeptical exchange with Enck, noting that 21 states and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have recognized advanced recycling as manufacturing. Enck countered that Whitmer's decision came in a "lame-duck session" attached to a larger pro-recycling bill, and she expressed hope that Michigan Democrats would reverse the provision. On forest management, John Bartow testified that addressing agroforestry on New York's 1.4 million acres of agricultural forestlands would require $20-30 million in initial investment. He noted that current Regenerate NY funding of $500,000 annually is insufficient and advocated for an additional $24 million through the Environmental Protection Fund's climate smart agricultural sections. Sen. Hinchey, a strong supporter, pressed Bartow on funding needs and secured his agreement that bolstered EPF support would be "absolutely" beneficial. Environmental groups testified extensively on state park and trail funding. Katherine Nadeau of Catskill Mountainkeeper highlighted that the Catskill Park received more visitors in 2021 than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone combined, and provides drinking water to 9 million New Yorkers. She and Cathy Pedler of the Adirondack Mountain Club requested restoration of a $10 million dedicated funding line for Adirondack and Catskill visitor safety and wilderness protection that was removed from the Governor's budget proposal. Pedler noted that 32 organizations and municipalities had signed a letter prioritizing this funding. Will Coté of Parks & Trails New York requested maintaining the State Parks capital budget at $250 million, down from the proposed $200 million, and supporting the hiring of 237 new full-time positions. He noted that state parks attracted nearly 80 million visitors last year. Sen. Walczyk expressed bipartisan support for the $10 million State Land Stewardship funding, calling it "the first time that we got that sentence out in like all the hearings," drawing laughter from the committee. The hearing, which lasted more than 13 hours, concluded at 10:52 p.m.