UPGRADENY RESPONDS TO STATE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY’S ONE-HOUSE BUDGETS

NYS Senate includes funding for thermal energy networks at SUNY Campuses

Albany, NY, March 18, 2024- The UpgradeNY collaboration applauds the New York State Senate for funding the construction of union-built thermal energy networks at the University at Buffalo (UB) and SUNY Purchase in their one-house budget proposal. The zero-emissions heating and cooling delivered by thermal energy networks would enable SUNY Purchase to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 65%, and UB to reduce their South Campus carbon footprint by a third, all while supporting a unionized clean energy workforce. As a collaboration of environmental advocates, labor unions, and building industry representatives, we now call on the Assembly and the Governor to continue advancing thermal energy networks and include funding for these two projects in this year’s final budget.

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UpgradeNY is a collaboration of unions, climate justice advocates, building industry representatives and environmental groups calling for Gov. Hochul and New York policymakers to decarbonize state-owned buildings and schools through a local, union-led workforce. Learn more at https://www.upgradeny.org/.