March 10, 2026 - The UpgradeNY collaboration made the following statement in response to the Legislature’s one-house budget proposals:

“The Senate and Assembly rightly included $200 million dedicated funding in their one-house budget proposals for programs that will support our union workers and make New York more affordable. At a time when New Yorkers are struggling with rising utility bills and the high cost of living, constructing thermal energy networks will lower long-term energy costs and create healthier, more efficient buildings. Investments to modernize buildings at public campuses and for municipalities will reduce operational costs and deliver stable and affordable heating and cooling for entire communities. We urge the final budget to include support for building upgrades in environmental justice and disadvantaged communities for utility thermal energy network projects, once projects are approved by the Public Service Commission.These investments move New York toward a cleaner energy system that is also more affordable for working families. We are hopeful these proposals will be included in the enacted budget this year.” 

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About UpgradeNY

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, New York State AFL-CIO, ALIGN, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, New York State Building and Construction Trades Council, Sierra Club’s Atlantic Chapter and Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE). Learn more at upgradeny.org