Environmental Advocates NY Presses Budget Priorities 

For Immediate Release: March 17, 2022
Contact: Brian Keegan: 518.441.8339

With Just Over Two Weeks Until Deadline, Group Outlines Measures of a Successful Budget  

Albany – With just over two weeks until the New York State Budget deadline, Environmental Advocates NY, the leading New York non-profit fighting for a safe climate, clean water, and healthier communities for all, outlines how the budget can make New York a national green leader.

“With only 15 days left until the budget is due, it is critical that state leaders focus on funding and policies that protect our environment. We must prioritize spending for electrification of our buildings and vehicles while rejecting climate dead-ends and raids of clean energy funds that rob disadvantaged communities of climate justice,” said Kate Kurera, Deputy Director of Environmental Advocates NY. “Similarly, New York must build the next generation of water infrastructure, while helping those who are facing water utility shut offs. Finally, we need to go big with an environmental bond act and solutions to the solid waste crisis. All of these are within our power to accomplish this year. Let’s get it done.”

The full plan can be found HERE. Highlights to the memo include the following.

  • We are encouraged that both houses and the Governor have continued to support investments in the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, and we hope to see $1 billion for this critical program included in the final budget.
  • The Governor and one house proposals support funding for energy utility arrears, but not water utility arrears. We believe this is a significant oversight as new data suggests there are millions of dollars in water arrears across the state.
  • Once and for all we call for an end to the Cuomo-era practice of transferring $23 million in clean energy funds generated through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to the general fund.
  • Proposals such as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), contained in the Senate one-house, go counter to the intent of the state’s climate law and have no place in the budget discussion.

###