The New York State Senate and Assembly recently released their one-house budgets. The following statement in response can be attributed to Conor Bambrick, Director of Policy at Environmental Advocates NY.

“Both the Senate and Assembly’s budget proposals have a lot to be excited about if you value New York’s environment. Both contain $600 million for needed water infrastructure, including $50 million for lead pipe replacement —a $100 million increase from the Governor’s proposal. The Senate has put forward a solid structure to equitably implement the state’s climate law with the Climate and Community Protection Fund and the NY HEAT Act, while the Assembly has a strong proposal for building electrification and decarbonization and a necessary focus on electric vehicle infrastructure needs.

With a little over two weeks until it’s due, we are eager to work with the Senate, Assembly, and Governor Hochul, to craft a final budget agreement that incorporates the best ideas from all parties for protecting our environment, improving public health, and fighting the climate crisis.”