May 27, 2026 - The UpgradeNY collaboration made the following statement in response to the enacted budget:

 “With the uncertainty in Washington, New York must build new clean energy at scale and deliver programs that lead the nation in decarbonizing our buildings and economy. Neighborhood-scale decarbonization can address the challenges of climate change and volatile energy prices rapidly while delivering a just transition. Thermal energy networks (TENs) are union-built large energy infrastructure projects that achieve this vision, right here in New York, with bipartisan support . Investing in these modern energy systems will lower energy costs for consumers while creating good-paying jobs in the clean energy economy.

We thank the Legislature and the Governor for delivering $150 million in the enacted budget to support building thermal energy network projects across the state. 

Building TENs on SUNY and CUNY campuses and in disadvantaged neighborhoods will deliver stable and affordable heating and cooling for entire communities. We call on the Public Service Commission to act and use this funding to advance the utility TENs projects to create new union jobs, deliver affordable energy and benefit our communities across the state. ” 

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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