Category Archives: Climate Change

Climate Action, Climate Change, Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State politics

Gov Hochul: Why Seeking to Delay Climate Action in Favor of Affordability for New Yorkers

Long Islanders protest for offshore windpower in 2016. Governor Hochul successfully fought back against Trump’s attempt to cancel and dismantle offshore wind projects nearly complete but is now urging a delay in implementing the state’s Climate Agenda because of the strain on New Yorkers’ wallets © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“Some benefits of electric vehicles are hard to put a price on, like the peace of mind that comes from not being at the mercy of geopolitics,” reports the New York Times.

“‘There are tentative signs that “people want to be taken off the gas-price roller coaster’ said Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at Edmunds. “

The fact that Iran War is expected to generate the biggest shock to global energy and economy in history is why New York State, states, localities and the nation should not be retreating from clean renewable energy. Rather, it should be the added incentive to accelerate the transition and break the dependence on tyrantss, Big Oil billionaires and conglomerates.

Energy independence is why the dictator wannabe trump, with aspirations of Empire, is going in the opposite direction – reversing all that Biden and Hochul accomplished in transitioning to clean, renewabale energy. It should inform Americans all they need to know when he attacks windpower and declares no windmills will be built while he reigns, as he tries to actually deconstruct the projects already well underway.

New York State has been a stellar leader combating trump’s anti-climate actions since his first term when his first action was to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Accord. New York is a founding member of the bipartisan U.S. Climate Alliance since 2017. The Alliance members represent 55% of the US population and 60% of GDP. The Alliance continues to lead in state-level climate action. Governor Kathy Hochul currently serving as a co-chair.

The state is committed to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050. Recent actions include joining the Alliance’s Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative to train 1 million apprentices by 2035. 

But now Governor Hochul is saying it will be too expensive for New Yorkers to meet the 2030 commitment, which is enshrined in law. She is asking the Legislature to amend the law to delay the transition because of her affordability goal – the hallmark of her reelection campaign. But dependence on fossil fuel is more costly in the short term, medium term and especially the long term, so what we spend on meeting that goal is an investment in a future of less costly utilities and energy, less costly healthcare and climate disaster.

It is clear that Governor Hochul is trying to go all-in on affordability in order to win reelection this November, but in the process, she will alienate young, progressive voters and environmentalists.

And that might cause the biggest problem of all, just as when these voters “showed” Biden (he didn’t completely end fossil fuel or break with Israel over Gaza, and he was old) and didn’t come out to vote for Kamala Harris. The result was returning Trump to office, where he has aggressively overturned all that Biden-Harris accomplished in implementing historic Climate Action. Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is a mini-trump who would overturn New York’s Climate Agenda entirely (along with women’s reproductive freedom, gun control, voting rights, criminal justice reform).

This op-ed by Governor Hochul better explains her position but may not succeed in mollifying environmentalists. We hope the State Legislature, especially in light of the evidence of the Iran War’s impact on fossil-fuel dependency, will reject delaying implementation of the Climate Agenda. (She may have a point about adopting more reasonable standards that are more commonly held.) –Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com

Today, Empire Report published an op-ed by Governor Kathy Hochul regarding her commitments to clean energy and climate action while ensuring that New York becomes more affordable. Text of the op-ed can be viewed online and here:

Citing the need to give New Yorkers relief from high costs, Governor Hochul is explaining her desire to delay climate commitments: “We need more time, and so I am proposing we amend the law to require regulations to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions to be issued at the end of 2030. We are seeking to change what emission limits the regulations are tied to – including a new 2040 target as well as the existing 2050 statewide emission limits. Nothing else in the CLCPA is changing regarding the existing statewide emission limit targets and these new regulations would still require the state to make timely progress, ensuring long-term policy stability.” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

All New Yorkers should be immensely proud that their home state is a national leader for clean energy and climate action. As Governor, I take that role very seriously, knowing it is our mission to leave our world better than we inherited it.

My worldview was shaped growing up in Western New York during the era of the toxic Love Canal, swimming in a Great Lake contaminated by industrial pollution, and breathing the orange smoke emitted from nearby smokestacks. That’s why leading the fight against climate change and protecting our environment is deeply personal for me.

Since I have been Governor, more than $88.7 billion has been invested in clean energy through programs that have made us an example for the rest of the nation.

We have the first-ever utility-scale offshore wind farm in the United States, and two more under construction that we have protected from Trump administration efforts to stop these fully-permitted projects dead in their tracks. Just one of those projects will power half a million homes in Brooklyn later this year.

My efforts to reduce emissions meant taking on tough fights, including stopping the White House from killing congestion pricing – a program that’s already delivering results, even as it faces fierce opposition from the President.

We met our 2025 solar goals a year early, positioning New York as a national leader, approved 31 large-scale solar and wind projects, and just last year allocated the largest investment to address climate change in state history

While other states wavered, New York remains a backbone of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and its early efforts to keep the multi-state climate partnership strong.

And in just a few months, the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) that I championed will become operational, delivering clean hydroelectric power to New York City, and helping to compensate for the increase in emissions driven by the shutdown of the Indian Point nuclear plant.

All of these actions have brought us closer to the goals of the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act passed by the State Legislature back in 2019. And I remain fully committed to the blueprint for a sustainable future laid out in that landmark legislation.

But so much has radically changed since the Climate Act was enacted, necessitating common-sense adjustments that keep us on our path to a greener future in a way that is affordable for New Yorkers.

Post-COVID inflation and supply chain disruptions have created a far more challenging economic landscape. That has been compounded by federally imposed illegal tariffs that have driven up project costs, and a dramatic shift in Washington. We have moved from a federal government eager to partner on the clean energy transition to a White House under Donald Trump, aided by a Republican-controlled Congress, that launched a full-on assault on renewables and the tax incentives that encouraged companies to build and residents to convert.

President Trump has denied the science, calling climate change a hoax. Just this week, he again vowed to block all new offshore wind projects and is actively attempting to dismantle those already under construction. At the same time, the federal government is also canceling grants and tax credits for solar and wind, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other pollution-reduction initiatives while rolling back key scientific findings and regulations that would have helped the nation move toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Without a federal partner, there is only so much states can do on their own. It is impossible to push new offshore wind projects and the clean energy they would produce when we have a President who prefers a “drill baby drill” mantra that focuses on oil and coal. And even within our own borders, we have been dealing with NIMBYism, moratoriums and outright bans that have made siting alternative energy facilities such as on-land wind, utility-scale solar and battery storage impossible in too many parts of our state.

Meanwhile, the war in Iran is driving up gas prices at the pump to the breaking point for too many New Yorkers. With energy demand growing and the state having retired far more fossil fuel plants than it’s been able to replace with renewable sources, our electric system operator is projecting potential energy shortages, particularly downstate, that could lead to brownouts and blackouts. 

Put simply, something has to give.

It’s why I am pushing a Ratepayer Protection Plan that will hold utilities accountable, reform the process by which regulators consider rate hike requests, and make it easier for working families to learn about and access the state’s Energy Affordability Programs.

And to make sure we keep the lights and heat on and costs down for New Yorkers, I have adopted an all-of-the-above approach to energy that includes more renewables, emission-free, reliable round-the-clock nuclear, and other needed power sources.

It’s also why, despite supporting the intentions of the Climate Act, I am pushing changes to the law as part of our budget discussions with the Legislature. This is solely out of necessity – to protect New Yorkers’ pocketbooks and economy.  Despite all the headwinds and obstacles that could not have been foreseen when the law was enacted in 2019, advocates still took the extreme step of suing the state to force it to issue regulations to meet the Climate Act’s 2030 emission reductions targets.

A judge agreed and ruled that the state must swiftly issue regulations to achieve what now would be costly and unattainable targets, unless the law is changed.

I have repeatedly said that utility rates in our state are too high. And while the Climate Act is not the driver of the high energy prices we are experiencing, the undeniable fact is we cannot meet the Climate Act’s 2030 targets without imposing new and additional crushing costs on New York businesses and residents.

Absent changes to the law, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority found the impact of meeting the Climate Act’s 2030 targets would be staggering—more than $4,000 a year for upstate oil and natural gas households, and $2,300 more for New York City natural gas households. And gas prices at the pump would jump an additional $2.23 per gallon above where it would otherwise be.

As Governor, I can’t let that happen. While I am still committed to working toward our targets, with all the stress our residents are under, New Yorkers expect their elected officials to prioritize affordability.  They are suffering from high costs every single day and I for one will not ignore their cries for relief.

The fact is, we will be dealing with a White House outright hostile toward renewable energy for at least another three years, making it impossible for us to meet our targets without imposing higher costs on homeowners, renters, and businesses.

We need more time, and so I am proposing we amend the law to require regulations to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions to be issued at the end of 2030. We are seeking to change what emission limits the regulations are tied to – including a new 2040 target as well as the existing 2050 statewide emission limits. Nothing else in the CLCPA is changing regarding the existing statewide emission limit targets and these new regulations would still require the state to make timely progress, ensuring long-term policy stability.

Additionally, we need to change the accounting methodology we use to count emissions to align with the international standards used by the global community and nearly every other U.S. state. Otherwise, these impossible emission reduction targets…only used by NY and one other state…will ensure our failure despite all of our efforts and billions of dollars spent.

These proposed changes preserve the intent of the law while realistically recognizing the economic and political challenges we face. Even with these adjustments – which bring us in line with other climate leading states like California, Washington, and Colorado – New York will still boast one of the most ambitious laws in the country. And it’s important to note that our state is not alone in dealing with these issues. A number of other states with aggressive climate goals are also struggling to meet them given the current federal headwinds and have had to make amendments.

I cannot make these changes alone. We need our partners in the Legislature to enact these needed and practical revisions. I look forward to working with lawmakers to achieve an outcome that will make our state both more sustainable and more affordable. The people of New York are counting on us to get this right.

Anti-Trump Activism, Climate Action, Climate Change, Environment, Environmental Protection, News & Photo Features, Trump Administration

Long Island Congressman Suozzi Raises Alarm Over Trump Administration’s Repeal of ‘Endangerment Finding’

Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-LI/NYC), center, joined by Nino Luciano from the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, Eric Swenson of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, Michelle Lapinel McAllister, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment Adrienne Esposito, Matt Salton of the New York League of Conservation Voters, and Pete Budden of the Natural Resources Defense Council, raised the alarm about the Trump Administration’s EPA repealing the “Endangerment Finding,” by which the federal government regulates greenhouse gases that are causing global warming and climate change © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

By Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com, news-photos-features.com

Glen Cove, NY—Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) held a press conference to call out the Administration’s revocation of the ‘Endangerment Finding’ that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare—a move widely seen as a major setback to U.S. efforts to combat the climate crisis.

“We are here with a very simple message for the people of Long Island and New York: Wake up! Your insurance rates are going up, and Moody’s Investor Services reports that Long Island is the fourth most vulnerable place in the United States of America for the effects of climate change,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi. “This is affecting the quality of your life. We here on Long Island, right by the water right here, are subject to the effects of rising sea levels because the glaciers are melting. We are going to be affected when the permafrost in the arctic region starts to defrost, and all the methane gas comes out and causes more of these greenhouse gases. It affects our trees, it affects our wildlife, it affects nature, but it also affects us in real ways, like causing your insurance rates to go up, like damaging your properties, like making it so you are more subject to more floods and more storms.”

[See: E.P.A. Faces First Lawsuit Over Its Killing of Major Climate Rule]

Congressman Suozzi was joined on the bank of a snowy, icy Hempstead Harbor by Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment Adrienne Esposito, Michelle Lapinel McAllister and Nino Luciano from the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, Eric Swenson of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, Matt Salton of the New York League of Conservation Voters, and Pete Budden of the Natural Resources Defense Council, who announced that the NRDC would be filing a lawsuit to challenge this decision the following day.

“Thank you to the Congressman for holding this event and for speaking out against the outrageous repeal of the ‘Endangerment Finding.’ By rolling it back, the Trump Administration is launching the single biggest attack in US history on the federal government’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis,” declared said Pete Budden, Senior Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “It amounts to pure climate denial. Quite simply, this will make climate change worse, this will make air pollution worse, and it will raise costs for people across the country. It is stunning that once again this Administration is asking people not to believe what they see with their own eyes… The NRDC will not stand for it. It’s irresponsibly, it’s unscientific, and it is illegal. We will take this fight to the courtroom. We’re filing a lawsuit tomorrow, and we will win.” 

On February 12, President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin – the former Long Island Congressman – with a wink and a nod to the Fossil Fuel Industry which paid $1 billion to elect Trump in 2024, announced the repeal of the ‘Endangerment Finding,’ a 2009 policy that concludes that greenhouse gasses are a threat to public health. This ruling underpins federal action to curb planet-warming gases and is the legal bedrock of efforts to rein in harmful emissions.

“The ‘Endangerment Finding’ was found in 2009, based on sound, good science. The reason it was called the ‘Endangerment Finding’ is because it put in danger our health, our economy, and our future,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of the Citizens’ Campaign for the Environment. “Climate change is costing us billions. In 2004 alone, we had 27 different climate tragedies throughout America. Extreme climate events, each one cost us $1 billion per event, equating to over $30 billion.” 

The “evil twin” of global warming, she noted, is acidification of the marine environment – killing shellfish, fish larvae and the plankton at the base of the food chain.

“We had made so much progress. People were buying electric cars – Nassau County was the #1 market, with 785,000 EVs on Long Island, because they make sense. Why is Trump killing the market for clean energy and EVs? It’s payback for the fossil fuel industry for the $1 billion they spent to elect him in 2024. But the next generation will be the victims.

“We are impacting our planet. We need to act. We need to fight. When Congressman Suozzi called me yesterday, I said, ‘I’m so glad that you’re going to speak up and speak out because the silence from others is deafening.’ And silence portrays that we accept or we agree. We do not accept this. We do not agree with this. And we will not,” Esposito said.

“The ‘Endangerment Finding’ is the legal foundation for regulating greenhouse gasses… repealing it would significantly weaken federal authority to address pollution from major sources and protect public health,” said Michelle Lapinel McAllister, Program Director of the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor. “The evidence is clear. Climate change is increasing risk to our communities, infrastructure, and economy. These impacts are measurable and growing, and sustained action at the federal level is necessary to reduce them. Maintaining the ‘Endangerment Finding’ ensures continued progress for clean air, environmental stability, and regulatory certainty. We have a responsibility to uphold science-based policy and protect the health and security of future generations.” 

“The water body you see behind us and all the other water bodies on LI are part and parcel of the quality of life that we have here on LI. It’s the reason why people move here, it’s also very important to the economy of our land,” said Eric Swenson, Executive Director of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee. “ 31 years ago, the nine local governments that share this harbor formed the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee to look out for its water quality. We made a lot of progress… We can do a lot, and we spent tens of millions of dollars to improve this harbor, and we’re enjoying the benefits of it.” Indeed, 2,500 acres were re-opened to shell fishing for the first time in years.

“We don’t want to see that go backwards, and we will if this continues the way it is with the ‘Endangerment Finding.’ We need EPA to stand up, to do its job it’s designed to do and it’s created to do, and we need them now. Science is real, we need to base our decisions on science, not politics, and we need to start now,” Swenson said.

“With the repeal of the ‘Endangerment Finding,’ President Trump and the EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are accelerating their assault on our health, environment, and economic future. Clean air is not a partisan issue—it’s a human right,” Matt Salton, Federal Policy Manager of the New York League of Conservation Voters, declared. “With this decision, it rewards polluters, weakens competitiveness of the necessary car manufacturers, and leaves families bearing the unacceptable cost of dirtier air. We are proud to stand with Congressman Suozzi and our fellow advocates to defend clean air and protect the health and the future of every New Yorker.” 

Seemingly the only thing that really resonates with voters is the cost of living – as opposed to livability or health or human rights – so Suozzi spelled out the impact of climate change on affordability and the economy – contradicting Trump’s constant lie that renewed dependency on fossil fuel will unleash new riches and a Golden Age of American Greatness.

Climate disasters are raising costs for Long Islanders on everything from home and car insurance to food prices, health care, utility costs. The extremes of heat and cold, the floods, drought, wildfires, sea level rise are causing food shortages and price hikes, heat stroke and disease, ocean acidification which is depleting sea life and the plankton that is at the base of the food chain. At the same time, cutting – even banning and canceling funding – for clean energy projects like Long Island’s offshore wind, solar and electric vehicles while promoting and incentivizing gas-guzzling cars and coal-powered utilities will only exacerbate the severity and frequency of these disasters.

Superstorm Sandy destroyed 100,000 homes and caused $65 billion in damage on Long Island. Long Island is the fourth most vulnerable population center to the impacts of climate change. Congressman Tom Suozzi is sounding the alarm about the dangers of Trump’s EPA repealing the “Endangerment Finding.” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Superstorm Sandy destroyed 100,000 homes and caused $65 billion in damage to Long Island.

Affordability is an issue, as well – because of fierce focus on energy conservation and clean energy, demand for electricity was flat for a decade, but for the first time in decades, energy demand is going up – largely because of the construction of these enormous data centers to power A.I., driving up utility costs for rate payers, Congressman Suozzi said.

“Why cut green energy projects that were increasing energy supply (at lower cost than fossil fuels), projects that were ready for investment with credits from the Biden Administration (nuclear, hydrogen, solar, wind)?”

“Long Island is the fourth most vulnerable place in the United States of America for any population center for the effects of climate change. Number one is San Francisco, number two is Cape Coral in Florida, number three is New York City (I also represent a piece of Queens) and number four is Long Island,” Congressman Suozzi said. “Over the past 50 years, Long Island has had more disaster locations than any other place in all of New York State. There have been dozens of dozens of disaster events. In the United States of America, in 2024, there were 27 severe weather events that caused over $1 billion in damages, $183 billion in total. In the year 2000, there were five. 27 in 2024, and five in 2000. So, this is real life.”

Congressman Suozzi noted that there are three ways to beat back the Trump Administration and restore the government’s role in environmental protection and climate action:

Legislation – which will require Democrats to retake the Majority in Congress, and ultimately, retake the White House.

Lawsuits – organizations including the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), are mounting lawsuits, noting that the Trump administration is in violation of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, and that the issue of carbon emissions being a pollutant the federal government is obligated to regulate, was settled.

The third area is motivation – getting people more engaged by raising awareness of the impacts and consequences that derailing a clean, renewable energy agenda has on the economy, affordability, public health and quality of life.

“The reason we are out here today, in the cold, out on the water here, is because we want to get more people who care about the earth; who care about climate change; who care about the effects this is going to have on your wallet; to actually start speaking up and speaking out about this issue. There is so much noise every day as they flood the zone with things to get us agitated, but this is an existential threat to us here on Long Island that we need to stand up and get people motivated to speak out against,” concluded Congressman Suozzi.

“We are messing with the divine creation of the earth: a thing that’s been gifted to us. And it’s been very resilient over most of history. But now the effects of what we are doing as human beings are punching it every single day, and I can’t take it anymore. So we have to wake up,” Congressman Suozzi added.

States Take Up Mission for Climate Action

Long Islanders advocate for offshore windpower outside of Long Island Power Authority offices. NYSERDA is investing millions of dollars to ease the way for private entities to develop a windpower industry on Long Island © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

With 24 states and Puerto Rico led by New York and California forming the U.S. Climate Alliance to take up the baton after the Trump Administration pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord (twice), it is critical who becomes Governor. (The 24 states, representing 55% of the population, commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28%.)

Governor Kathy Hochul has remained stalwart in support of New York State’s leading-edge climate agenda that calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors. 

In 2022, New Yorkers overwhelmingly approved the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act providing funding to state agencies, local governments, and partners to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency and create green jobs. Bond Act funding will support new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change. A total of $1.9 billion is invested to date. Learn more at www.environmentalbondact.ny.gov.  

Recently, the bond funded $265 million in grants for projects to protect drinking water, improve climate resilience, update aging water infrastructure, reduce contributors to harmful algal blooms, and secure access to clean water.

“Every New Yorker deserves clean water, which has been a top priority of mine since taking office,” Governor Hochul stated in announcing the grants. “These grants continue our critical investments to update aging water infrastructure across the state. They will also help our local governments enhance resiliency against flooding caused by severe weather, again demonstrating our commitment to a safe, affordable, and sustainable future for all New Yorkers.” 

Hochul also successfully fought back against Trump’s attempt to cancel offshore wind projects, the Hudson Gateway Tunnel, and New York City congestion pricing.

In contrast, Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for Governor Bruce Blakeman has promoted fossil fuels, wants to overturn the ban on fracking, and has done nothing to make the county resilient against climate change – including not applying for state grants.

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Climate Action, Climate Change, Environment, Environmental Protection, Governor Kathy Hochul, News & Photo Features

Governor Hochul Makes $265 Million Available for Water Quality, Climate Resiliency Projects Across NYS; Hails Decision to Allow Offshore Wind to Move Forward

Ashokan Reservoir. Governor Hochul announced more than $265 million in grants to support projects that will help protect drinking water, improve climate resilience, update aging water infrastructure, reduce contributors to harmful algal blooms, and secure access to clean water. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

I’m betting Nassau County Bruce Blakeman doesn’t bother seeking any of this $265 million in state funding for water quality and climate resiliency projects  because he doesn’t want to give Hochul a win. Likes to claim she hasn’t done anything in 5 years, but that’s because he’s shut County out of all the state programs that would fund infrastructure projects, including making Nassau’s dangerous roads safer. I would also bet that Blakeman, if he (god forbid) becomes NYS Governor, will end the state’s leading climate action and resiliency initiatives, and reverse course like his puppetmaster Trump did, opening the state to drilling and pipelines again, canceling the clean energy projects – wind and solar, EV charging stations – that have been so-hard fought for and just taking hold. Hochul’s focus on water quality and climate resiliency projects is all the more vital coming just after the ex-Long Island Congressman, now EPA Chief Lee Zeldin declared that lives lost would no longer be factored in decisions to regulate air and water quality. Take that in.

Meanwhile, Governor Hochul issued a statement after a federal judge in Washington issued a ruling allowing the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project to move forward – projects considered vital to supplying Long Island with sufficient, affordable energy without contributing to climate change – after the Trump Administration tried to shut them down: – Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com

We just received word that a federal judge in Washington has sided with us and the company Equinor, and other companies who are providers of offshore wind. The developer, Equinor, sued because the Trump administration arbitrarily issued a stop work order on a project that had been underway, contemplated for over a decade as part of our [renewable] energy strategy. The work was done. The platforms are built. Thousands of workers from Long Island to New York City and beyond have been working through all kinds of weather — extreme weather — to do something that is critically important for our energy future and has been contemplated as part of our grid. The Trump administration shut it down, we went to court and now the stop work order must be lifted and people get back to their jobs.

And I’m sick and tired of having to go to court time and time and time again to stop these decisions. They’re designed to do nothing other than hurt workers, hurt our states, hurt our economy and hurt our energy future.

So we won. The federal court ruled in favor of restarting the work at Empire Wind Offshore Wind Project, clearing the way for it to go forward. And this is what we’re talking about, two of these projects that were shut down along the East Coast. Two were in New York, Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind off the coast of Long Island.

They were stopped under the bogus pretense of national security. When I heard this, I said one thing, “I’m the Governor of New York. If there is a national security threat off the coast of New York, you need to tell me what it is — I want a briefing right now.” Low and behold, they had no answer. They had fake claims about radar. Radar can be addressed and handled as it has happened on many other projects in the past.

So, we rallied just last Friday on Long Island, surrounded by hundreds of hardworking union members, environmentalists, residents, businesses, who are part of the supply chain. Businesses, Republicans and Democrats stood together with us to say, “Turn it back on, lift the stop work order.” And I’m really proud that a judge has agreed with this, that the billions of dollars of private investment can stay right here in New York. And also reminding us that energy security is part of national security. We have been contemplating on this for years to literally next year, or perhaps even later this year to turn on this clean renewable energy source, to power half a million homes in Brooklyn alone.

When they shut this down right before Christmas, shut it down, it drove a huge hole in our energy resiliency grid planning. So, I’m proud to say that the company has been successful in court. We’re going to continue doing what we have to do every single step of the way, but for now the wind turbines will be turning on.

–Karen Rubin, editor/news-photo-features.

$211 Million in Water Quality Improvement Grants for 175 Projects Protecting Drinking Water, Updating Water Infrastructure, Reducing Contributors to Harmful Algal Blooms

 $55 Million in Resilient Watersheds Grants for 24 Climate Resiliency Projects To Alleviate Flooding and Safeguard New Yorkers from Severe Weather

Complements Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State Historic $3.75 Billion Commitment to Water Quality

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $265 million in grants to support projects that will help protect drinking water, improve climate resilience, update aging water infrastructure, reduce contributors to harmful algal blooms, and secure access to clean water. The funding complements the historic environmental investments announced earlier this week in the 2026 State of the State, building upon the record support for New York’s premier grant programs that fund critical water infrastructure, protect drinking water and safeguard communities.

“Every New Yorker deserves clean water, which has been a top priority of mine since taking office,”  Governor Hochul said. “These grants continue our critical investments to update aging water infrastructure across the state. They will also help our local governments enhance resiliency against flooding caused by severe weather, again demonstrating our commitment to a safe, affordable, and sustainable future for all New Yorkers.” 

Today’s announcement is supported by funding from multiple grant programs administered by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) and investments from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, Environmental Protection Fund and other sources. The programs help protect New York State communities and water quality, while reinforcing the State’s support for municipalities by making these critical projects more affordable and minimizing the financial burden on local taxpayers. 

More than $209 million was awarded to 131 projects through DEC’s Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant program.  WQIP grants fund projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency or protect a drinking water source. A full list of grant awards can be found here.

A total of $2.9 million is being awarded to 44 projects through DEC’s Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 System Mapping Grant (NPG) to fund projects that help pay for the initial planning of water quality improvement projects such as replacing undersized culvert, green infrastructure, and State permit-required storm sewer mapping in urban areas. NPG projects reduce the amount of polluted stormwater runoff entering lakes, rivers, and streams and improve resiliency against the impacts of climate change. A full list of grant awards can be found here.

Governor Hochul also announced $55 million in new grant funding for 24 climate resiliency projects in 15 communities across New York State. EFC, in coordination with DEC, administers the Resilient Watersheds Grants (RWG) program funded through the Bond Act. RWG projects were selected to reflect the diverse, statewide issues that New Yorkers are facing and include stream and floodplain restoration, removal of dams, culverts and other barriers, culvert replacements and property buyouts. The RWG program builds on the success of DEC’s Resilient NY, which delivers state-of-the-art studies of flood-prone, high-risk watersheds across the State. All awarded projects were recommended actions by Resilient NY studies or a comparable flood study.  A full list of grant awards can be found here.

RWG awards include two projects in Yonkers, where an announcement was made with State and local partners. The City of Yonkers will receive two grants totaling more than $6.66 million for culvert replacement and streambank stabilization along Troublesome Brook near the Scarsdale Road and Manhattan Avenue crossings. The announcement also celebrated two WQIP grants in the Lower Westchester area: the Village of Sleepy Hollow and the Sleepy Hollow Local Development Corporation will receive $600,000 to construct a salt storage facility and protect water quality in the Hudson River and groundwater. Save the Sound, Inc., will receive $2 million for dam removal and critical habitat restoration along the Bronx River.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said,  ”Since taking office, and most recently in the 2026 State of the State, Governor Hochul continues to provide unprecedented resources to invest in climate resiliency and water infrastructure to support communities across the State. With more than $265 million from multiple programs, including $185 million supporting improvements in environmental justice communities, the awarded projects will help our municipal partners achieve meaningful reductions in flood risk, protect drinking water, improve aquatic habitat and safeguard residents from increasingly severe weather events.” 

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen Coleman said,  “Governor Hochul is investing billions in water infrastructure every year to help local governments affordably advance crucial water quality and resiliency projects. By pairing Environmental Bond Act funding with other State program funding to support new and signature programs, every dollar goes further and brings New York closer to a safer, more sustainable future. The new Resilient Watersheds Grant program will jumpstart flood-mitigation projects in some of the most at-risk communities while creating good-paying jobs that drive local economies.”

Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “Now more than ever, when the federal government is trying to halt New York’s progress towards environmental goals, it is crucial that our state continue leading on environmental stewardship. Today’s announcement of $211 million in grant funding through the Water Quality Improvement Project Program is a reflection of the Senate’s commitment to ensuring New York’s communities are more resilient to extreme weather events and safeguarding our state’s water resources. I am proud to stand with my partners in government, including Governor Hochul and DEC Commissioner Lefton, to announce these vital investments.”

State Senator Peter Harckham said, “This major investment from the state through water quality improvement grants will ensure public health standards, support local municipalities and businesses, and create good jobs as well. Maintaining safe, accessible drinking water sources and supply systems is integral to future growth and prosperity, and I thank Governor Hochul, my colleagues in the State Legislature and the Department of Environmental Conservation for making the financial commitment to see this through.”

New York State’s Commitment to Water Quality Improvements

Governor Hochul remains committed to ensuring New Yorkers have access to safe, clean drinking water. As outlined in the 2026 State of the State, Governor Hochul is proposing a bold five-year, $3.75 billion commitment to modernize New York’s water systems, providing $750 million annually to provide clean water while also unlocking the state’s economic potential. This historic funding level will also continue to uplift and support New York’s premier water programs, such as WQIP, the Water Infrastructure Improvement program and the Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation program. In addition, the new Smart Growth Water Grant Program will fund the essential sewer and water infrastructure required to build new housing and support the state’s growing economy.

Since 2017, Governor Hochul and the State Legislature have invested $6 billion in clean water infrastructure to replace aging water mains, upgrade sewage treatment plants, replace lead pipes, filter toxic PFAS chemicals and much more. The Governor’s new commitment would raise that total to nearly $10 billion.

New York’s Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act  

On November 8, 2022, New Yorkers overwhelmingly approved the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act. State agencies, local governments, and partners will be able to access funding to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency and create green jobs. Bond Act funding will support new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change. A total of $1.9 billion is invested to date. Learn more at www.environmentalbondact.ny.gov.  

About the Consolidated Funding Application 

The grants announced today were issued following completion through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process. The CFA was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here. 

Anti-Trump Activism, Climate Action, Climate Change, Energy, Governor Kathy Hochul, News & Photo Features

Governors Demand Immediate Lifting of Stop Work Orders for Offshore Wind Projects

Long Islanders have been campaigning, crusading and protesting for decades to win offshore windpower and end dependency on climate-killing fossil fuels. Now that the projects are well underway – nearing completion – with millions of dollars invested, the trump administration is arbitrarily but viciously attempting to cancel the projects and bolster Big Oil © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum Blasts Rationale Given by Trump Administration and Demands Classified Briefing To Review Purported Threats

Governors Scoff at Claim Offshore Wind Farms Interfere with Radar Systems Given Years of Reviews

Governors Warn Federal Action Will Harm Economy and U.S. Energy Independence Efforts

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and Rhode Island Governor Dan Mckee today sent a letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum demanding the immediate lifting of stop work orders placed Monday on five offshore wind projects under construction, including Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind in New York.

The Governors in the letter also demand a classified briefing to review the unexplained national security threats used to place the stop work orders.

The letter notes that the targeted projects were approved after undergoing substantial federal reviews and processes, including by the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Governors in the letter blast the national security claims and supposed concerns about the impacts offshore wind farms have on radar as pretexts that contradict years of reviews and established practices. They also charge that the Trump Administration is only using the rationale as a “pretexual excuse to justify a predetermined outcome consistent with the President’s frequently stated personal opposition to offshore wind.”

The letter also warns Burgum that by blocking “gigawatts of domestic clean energy, you are effectively throttling the U.S. economy and handing a strategic advantage to foreign rivals who are building power generation as fast as they can. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s 2025 Annual Report — ironically, also released in November — found that in 2024 alone, China added new capacity equivalent to one-third of the entire United States’ power grid, while the U.S. struggles to meet rising energy demands.”

“With this irrational and erratic action, you are not solving a national security crisis; you are creating both a national security and economic disaster. By obstructing domestic power generation, you are inviting grid failure, surrendering the industries of the future, and threatening the economy and national security.”

The paused Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind projects in New York combined threaten more than 2,600 good-paying union jobs. The two projects combined will also generate nearly more than 1,700 megawatts of power, roughly 10 percent of New York City’s electricity needs, meeting the growing demand for energy.

Here is the text of the full letter:

December 24, 2025

The Honorable Doug Burgum,

Secretary

U.S. Department of Interior

Washington, DC 20240

Dear Secretary Burgum:

The undersigned States are in receipt of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (“BOEM”) Orders dated December 2025, purporting to suspend all ongoing activities related to offshore wind project development along our coastlines based on newly asserted “national security concerns” from a so-called “Department of War” assessment.

The States take national security seriously. These projects have already been subject to extensive federal review, including an assessment that expressly addressed national security considerations. Neither the Department of the Interior, BOEM, nor any other federal agency, including the Department of Defense (“DoD”), informed our respective States of any purportedly new risk prior to these suspensions nor did they account for our States’ substantial reliance interests— our States’ economies is dependent on the power that these projects will generate— in these vital projects that already have undergone many federal approvals, including from the DoD. The absence of such notice undermines our ability to plan effectively and violates basic principles of cooperative federalism. The sudden emergence of a new “national security threat” appears to be less a legitimate, rational finding of fact and more a pretextual excuse to justify a predetermined outcome consistent with the President’s frequently stated personal opposition to offshore wind.

We reject this transparent pretext and demand the immediate rescission of these suspensions for the following three reasons:

1. True National Security is Energy Security.

With this irrational and erratic action, you are not solving a national security crisis; you are creating both a national security and economic disaster. By obstructing domestic power generation, you are inviting grid failure, surrendering the industries of the future, and threatening the economy and national security.

The United States is currently in a race for the industries of the future, including onshoring advanced manufacturing, improving the defense industrial base, and maintaining U.S. technology and energy dominance. All consume massive amounts of power. You cannot run a 21st-century economy on a 20th-century grid. By blocking gigawatts of domestic clean energy, you are effectively throttling the U.S. economy and handing a strategic advantage to foreign rivals who are building power generation as fast as they can. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s 2025 Annual Report – ironically, also released in November – found that in 2024 alone, China added new capacity equivalent to one-third of the entire United States’ power grid, while the U.S. struggles to meet rising energy demands.

The Orders directly contradict the President’s purported “Energy Independence” goals. By blocking gigawatts of domestic power generation and killing thousands of jobs, you are forcing reliance on foreign energy markets and volatile supply chains. You cannot claim to be building an energy independent nation while actively dismantling its capacity to generate power.

Independent experts and State officials have documented that our region faces reliability challenges and potential future blackouts without this capacity. A grid that is overly reliant on fossil fuels is a soft target and has higher costs that our residents will be forced to carry. Offshore energy is already providing needed electricity at lower prices to our grid. You cannot claim to protect our nation while knowingly turning off the lights; in effect, these Orders heighten reliability concerns across the East Coast and increase the likelihood of rolling blackouts and will place additional financial burdens on ratepayers.

2. “Classified” Pretexts Contradict Science and Years of Public Vetting.

Administrative actions, such as those you have taken here, cannot be based on undisclosed, secret rationales – especially not when thousands of jobs and vital energy projects are at stake. Yet your letter obliquely alludes to undisclosed “new classified information” regarding “adversary technologies” as the reason for this sudden reversal. We demand an immediate classified briefing for our cleared personnel to review this supposed evidence and all information related to this purported rationale.

It strains credulity to believe that vital, substantial projects that underwent many federal reviews and processes, including by the DoD, all of a sudden present new, existential, unforeseen threats. Erratic, unpredictable, irrational actions like these are no way to govern, let alone plan for power generation capacity decades into the future.

Therefore, in this briefing, we formally request the following specific disclosures:

  • A clear description of the specific national security risks BOEM and the DoD determined in the purported November 2025 “additional assessment”;
    • All information, or a summary thereof, of the information related to those risks;
    • Identification of the particular project components, if any, alleged to give rise to those risks;
    • An articulation of how the “assessment” applies to these projects in light of previous extensive reviews;
    • An explanation of why these risks were not communicated to New York immediately upon their purported “discovery” in November.

You cite a 2024 Department of Energy report to claim that radar mitigation causes “missed targets.” That same report, Mitigating Wind Turbine Radar Interference, concludes that “replacement radar and infill radar solutions enhance degraded radar performance … Infills show less clutter and result in better performance … [and] can serve as a viable mitigation solution.” If “clutter” were a genuine threat, it might also apply to the thousands of oil rigs and other seaborne infrastructure in our coastal waters.

As the report itself notes, for conventional radar, the curvature of the Earth creates a physical radar horizon. You are citing “clutter” from objects that most land-based radars cannot even see because the Earth is round. For long-range over-the-horizon radar systems, the argument is equally flawed, as the report also points out. These systems utilize signal processing algorithms and other techniques to mitigate radar interference. In fact, the current Federal Interagency Wind Turbine Radar Interference Mitigation Strategy explicitly calls for “removing radar interference as an impediment to future wind energy development … while preserving U.S. airways, national security, the lives and property of citizens, and sensitive radar systems”.

The Federal Government, including the DoD, reviewed all information for the offshore wind projects years ago. The military had the opportunity to raise concerns and object. They did not, and further certified there was no threat to national security. To claim a threat exists now, after billions of dollars have been invested in these projects and reviews fully completed, is the height of irrationality.

3. You are Disguising Your Delay.

On December 8, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts vacated the federal government’s attempt to arbitrarily halt new offshore wind development. The court explicitly ruled that federal agencies cannot “decline to adjudicate applications altogether… pending the completion of a wide-ranging assessment”.

Your recent Orders are instituting an indefinite delay disguised as a “national security review”. Re-branding the paperwork under the “Department of War” does not cure this defect; it serves only as evidence of pretextual bad faith.

This is a moment for leadership, not obstruction. True national and economic security cannot be achieved by hollowing out our industrial base or leaving our power grid vulnerable to collapse. It requires the courage to build.

We urge you to look beyond bureaucratic games and recognize the real battle being waged: the global race for energy independence, economic dominance, and national security preeminence. Do not be the administration that handed the future to our adversaries by turning off the power at home.

Rescind these suspensions immediately. Let us get back to the work of powering this great nation.

Sincerely,

Kathy Hochul                                                                        

Governor of New York

Maura Healey           

Governor of Massachusetts

Ned Lamont

Governor of Connecticut

Dan McKee

Governor of Rhode Island

cc:

The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary, U.S. Department of Defense

The Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary, U.S. Department of State, Acting National Security Advisor

Mr. Alex Meyer, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

View a Copy of the Letter Here

See also: GOVERNORS FIGHT BACK AGAINST TRUMP’S LATEST ATTACK ON OFFSHORE WIND

Anti-Trump Activism, Climate Action, Climate Change, Donald Trump, Energy, Environment, Environmental Protection, News & Photo Features

Governors Fight Back Against Trump’s Latest Attack on Offshore Wind

Protesting for Climate Action in New York City, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly meeting © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Trump administration’s latest attack on clean energy, climate action and energy independence in order to bolster the fossil fuel industry, prompted New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee to issue a joint statement decrying the action (which was already overturned in federal court), and promising to continue to fight the action in court. In addition, Governor Hochul published an op-ed in the Empire Report. These are projects that have been years in development, have gone through all the regulatory and environmental reviews, and have been well underway, nearing completion and would supply millions of households with lower cost energy while addressing the crisis in reducing carbon emissions contributing to climate change, climate disasters and sealevel rise. The relationship between the dependence on oil, wars and imperialism is heightened as Trump with one hand overturns clean energy initiatives and carbon emission standards, while he takes over Venezuelan oil tankers threatens an invasion of Venezuela to take over its oil resources.  

Here are their statements: — Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com

Governors Issue Joint Statement on Offshore Wind

“The Trump administration’s announcement yesterday pausing offshore wind leases is its latest egregious attack on clean energy and it lands like a lump of dirty coal for the holiday season for American workers, consumers, and investors. Pausing active leases, especially for completed and nearly completed projects, defies logic, will hurt our bid for energy independence, will drive up costs for America ratepayers, and will make us lose thousands of good-paying jobs. It also threatens grid reliability that is needed to keep the lights on.

“Atlantic states are working hard to build more energy to meet rising demand and lower costs. Already, these projects have created thousands of jobs and injected billions in economic activity into our communities.

“This baseless, reckless and erratic action from the Department of Interior will also inject further uncertainty into the markets, making it harder for states and private companies to secure financing for public works projects if investors know they can be stopped at any time despite having gone through all the necessary local and federal approval processes.

“A federal judge earlier this month ruled the Trump administration cannot simply halt federal approvals of offshore wind permits arbitrarily. We are committed as governors to again fight back to ensure these projects move forward and provide power, jobs, and grid reliability to our communities.”

Governor Kathy Hochul: ‘Killing Jobs Won’t Power America;

Today, Empire Report published an op-ed by Governor Kathy Hochul responding to President Trump’s suspension of offshore wind projects. Text of the op-ed can be viewed online and is available below:

Right in the midst of the holiday season, we learned that President Trump is once again pulling the rug out from under New York workers. Without warning, his administration shut down Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind, along with offshore wind projects in other states. In one reckless move, he put thousands of good-paying jobs and New York’s energy future at risk.

Imagine working hard all year, only to find out  that your job is suddenly gone. That is reality for nearly 2,000 New Yorkers who woke up yesterday wondering if they will still have a paycheck. People who did everything right, worked hard, and showed up every day, are now being told their livelihoods do not matter. Not because these projects failed. Not because the permits were flawed. But because the President decided to pull the plug.

The jobs building these wind farms aren’t just good union jobs that keep families afloat — they are also jobs that will create clean energy and keep energy costs down. Just a few months ago, the New York State Independent System Operator warned that unless New York starts generating more power quickly, we could face blackouts as soon as this summer.

That is why New York is aggressively pursuing an all-of-the-above energy approach. We build. We plan. We use every tool available–solar, wind, nuclear, and gas–because keeping the lights on and costs down is not optional.

Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind are central to that effort. Together, these projects are expected to generate enough electricity to power roughly 10 percent of New York City. They strengthen reliability at a time of growing demand. They reduce pressure on energy prices for families already stretched thin. And they anchor a robust offshore wind supply chain, from ports and manufacturers to electricians, ironworkers, and longshoremen who depend on these projects to keep working.

President Trump’s vendetta against wind projects is obsessive and baffling. It is also not new. When President Trump issued a stop work order on Empire Wind 1 earlier this year, I convinced him to lift it. Alongside the Attorney General, I went to court to ensure he could not arbitrarily deny new offshore wind permits. Just as canceling Empire Wind 1 was unacceptable months ago, this new stoppage is unacceptable now.

The President is now hiding behind claims of national security, arguing that projects approved by the Department of Defense and fully permitted at the federal and state level, are suddenly a threat. New Yorkers know the truth. The real threat is not a carefully designed offshore wind project. It is a President undermining America’s ability to produce its own energy.

Mr. President, you and I agree: Energy independence matters. So let us build.

I have saved wind power in New York before. And now, in partnership with the other impacted states, I will do it again. This will not be the year that hardworking New Yorkers lose their paychecks during the holidays because their President turned his back on them. This will be the year that New Yorkers have the jobs they need and the power their economy requires, at a cost they can afford, because I will never stop fighting for New Yorkers.

Civil Rights, Climate Action, Climate Change, Economic Development, Environment, Gender Equity, Global Affairs, Health Care, Human Rights, Immigration-Migration-Refugees, Justice Agenda, Media, Media & Politics, News & Photo Features

Clinton Global Initiative Steps Up Commitment to Meet Unprecedented Challenges to Climate Action, Global Health, Humanitarian Aid, Democracy, Free Press

President Bill Clinton, President Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization and Jose Andres of World Central Kitchen discuss “We’re Next” at the 20th anniversary  Clinton Global Initiative, themed “What’s Next.” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

By Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com, news-photos-features.com

Each year for the past 20, there has been a respite, an oasis of hope, positivity, possibility and promise: the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The invention of the Clinton Foundation, CGI devised a platform and mechanisms to actually solve the most intractable problems confronting the world, that politicians love to talk about but are too hamstrung to.  

Each year there were challenges to overcome, but this year, there was an unusual pall over the gathering as the reality of backsliding on all the progress that has been made in health care, clean air and water (which 3 billion people lack), democracy, free press, conflict resolution, education, poverty, women’s rights and empowerment, gender rights, climate change, global migration. In many ways, there were the same topics of 20 years ago, but instead of focusing on the crisis in democracy, free press, disease and health care in developing countries across oceans, there was equal focus on the USA.

Bill Clinton and California Governor Gavin Newsom discuss the urgent need for climate action © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

In the past, there have been American administrations which did not further the aims of a more just, equitable future in which each could fulfill their potential, but never in the past was an administration using the might and wealth its predecessors built to actively undermine and reverse the progress of 150 years.

They are up against huge forces – the US with just 5% of the world’s population, has amassed 35% of global wealth and generates 14% of the carbon emissions (down from 20% thanks to Obama and Biden) that so endanger public health, food and water supply, and created the disasters that forced millions to flee their homes, creating the migrant crisis that has destabilized liberal democratic governments.

The conference convened just a day after Donald Trump, who has made good on his fantasy to tear up the Constitution and become a “dictator on day 1”, who effectively made illegal DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion – foundational principles of CGI) and who clawed back billions in foreign aid and humanitarian aid, and withdrawn from agencies including the World Health Organization, addressed the United Nations (a “failed” organization).  Trump told the General Assembly that climate change was a “hoax” and a “green scam” and that as nations, they should do what the US has done: evict migrants and shut their borders to refugees in order to preserve their “heritage” and nationhood or else, “your countries are going to hell.”

In the final CGI panel discussion, “We’re Next,”  Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), recalled where he was on the day he heard (was not informed by Trump) that the USA, its largest donor, was withdrawing and taking with it  its funding, immediately – not in six months to give the WHO time to reorganize. He noted that where he was when he heard was in Sana’a, capital of Yemen, when Israel bombed it, killing someone close to him and wounding others.  It triggered memory as a child of war in his native country of Ethiopia –“the smell, image, even the sound” – when close relatives were killed, and reignited the PTSD.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization, describes the challenge of having to reprioritize, reorganize after Trump pulled all funding from theWHO © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“In 2020, with the first US withdrawal, the first round of cuts came, and war in my country and Covid. it was difficult situation. but if there is one thing that But I try to see what is beyond my control and focus on what I can do. It encourages me encourages me to do more as an individual.” And so he will figure out a way for the World Health Organization to continue to function.

President Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo tells President Clinton that democracy, rule of law, freedom and peace are the keys to economic prosperity © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Another child of war, President Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo told President Bill Clinton, that it is peace and democracy that brings economic prosperity and progress (not tariffs and authoritarianism). “When you never take your freedom, your freedoms for granted, when you focus on the rule of law, democracy, human rights, then economic empowerment and prosperity comes. What you stand for in the most difficult times matters.”

But in inimitable fashion, the Clintons set a tone of positivity and everyone set out with renewed resolve, determination and resilience to figure “workarounds” to the unprecedented challenge.

Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, discusses the crisis in food programs on a CGI panel with Tony Capuano of Marriott International and Janti Soeripto of Save the Children US © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

CGI, offered panels themed “A Critical Moment for Humanitarian Response,” “Protecting Progress, Prevention and Management of Infections and NonCommunicable Diseases,” “A New Blueprint for Global Health,” “New Approaches to Climate Finance,” “Bold Solutions for Effective Philanthropy,”  “Protecting Truth and Information in a Fractured World,” “Putting People First,” all asking the question, “What’s Next,”  and, finally, “We’re Next.” It went back to an earlier framework to focus on “working groups” – small groups focused around a particular issue to bring together NGOs, business entities, philanthropists, activists and experts who could form partnerships to fulfill innovative commitments.

Matt Damon, the acclaimed actor, relayed how Clinton Global Initiative 17 years ago helped him realize his goal of bringing safe water and sanitation to the millions upon millions of people who lacked such basic necessities. CGI introduced him to Gary White, an engineer, who also had no idea how to achieve that goal, and together they formed Water.org.

Matt Damon discusses how Clinton Global initiative was essential to the success of water.org beginning 17 years ago with a commitment to bring clean water and sanitation to 100,000, his success at delivering to 1 million and his new CGI commitment to reach 100 million © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“It was like a first date – nervousness, awkwardness. But we realized that together could do a lot more than on own and really scale.” The first year’s CGI commitment was to build systems to serve 100,000. “Innovation-led, partners would follow. We got bigger and the numbers ran up. We hoped to reach 1 million a year. Today, we reach 1 million every six weeks.

“Our current commitment is already underway. In 2022, we pledged to help 100 million in Africa, Asia, and Latin America gain access to water, sanitation. We have already reached more than 30 million people who no longer have to take long walk for water.

“For Gary and me, CGI was the start. We thank President Clinton for introducing us, inspiring us to think better and doing all he can to help us reach those goals. There is more distance to go, with more than 2 billion people who lack access to safe water; 3 billion to sanitation.”

It was an invitation for others to join the partnership, or form their own, which is the essence of CGI.

Bulbul Gupta, CEO, Pacific Community Ventures; Hawaii Governor Josh Green; Jennifer Prayce, CEO of Calvert Impact Capital speak with Matthew Bishop, founder, social Progress Imperative on investing in community resilience © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

We saw it in real time when Hawaii Governor Josh Green, on the “Investing in Community Resilience” panel with Jennifer Pryce, CEO of Calvert Impact Capital, learned about new ways to multiply the benefit of Hawaii’s newly imposed climate fee on visitors through community development bond instruments such as issued by Calvert Impact. Hawaii hopes to use the fee (about $3 on a $400/night hotel stay) to bond out $2 billion which will go to sustainability, environmental protection, prevention, resiliency (helps with insurance costs), and to sustain tourism, replenish coral reefs and beaches.

4,200 Commitments, 500 Million People, 180 Countries, 10,000 Partners

Secretary Hillary Clinton marked the 30th anniversary of her remarks at the UN World Conference on Women, when her statement, “Human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights,” became a clarion call. She announced a new commitment: a landmark report outlining policy priorities critical to advancing the full and equal participation of women and girls in the 21st century, including in areas of democracy, human rights, technology, economic participation, conflict and climate © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

This year President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Foundation Vice Chair Dr. Chelsea Clinton concluded the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2025 Annual Meeting with the launch of 106 new Commitments to Action.

Since President Clinton founded CGI in 2005, the convening has asked attendees to come with Commitments to Action — specific, measurable partnerships and projects that address an urgent global challenge (there are regular reports issued).

Stacy Abrams, of American Pride Rises Network, in discussion with Errin Haines of The 19th, Melanie Hul of Luminate and Amanda Litman of Run for Something, offers 10 ways to push back on Trump’s moves to authoritarianism on a panel promoting women’s empowerment and engagement in politics © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com  

Over the last 20 years, members of the CGI community across business, philanthropy, and government – more than 10,000 organizations and individuals – have partnered to launch more than 4,200 commitments that have improved the lives of more than 500 million people in over 180 countries. As a result of these partnerships:

  • Nearly 78 million people have improved access to financial services or capital.
    • More than $1.6 billion has been invested or loaned to small- and medium-sized enterprises.
    • Nearly 2.7 billion metric tons of CO2 were cut or abated.
    • More than 402 million acres of forest have been protected or restored.
    • Nearly 4 million clean jobs have been created.
    • More than 130 million people can more easily access maternal and child health and survival programs.
    • Nearly 38 million people can more easily access safe drinking water and sanitation.
    • More than 36 million people have received treatment for neglected tropical diseases.
    • More than $362 million in research and development funds has been spent on new vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics.

Highlights from this year’s program include:

The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), led by Dr. Chelsea Clinton, along with Unitaid, Wits RHI, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, announced a groundbreaking agreement on HIV prevention to dramatically open access to lenacapavir, a revolutionary medicine that effectively prevents HIV transmission with two injections a year. Under the CHAI-negotiated deal, this will be affordable and available for just $40 per year in 120 low- and middle-income countries by 2027 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
  • A bold opening address by President Clinton, condemning political violence, defending free speech, the free press and democracy, and how to bring the divided country together.
    • The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), along with Unitaid, Wits RHI, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, announced a groundbreaking agreement on HIV prevention to dramatically open access to lenacapavir, a revolutionary medicine that effectively prevents HIV transmission with two injections a year. Under the CHAI-negotiated deal, this will be affordable and available for just $40 per year in 120 low- and middle-income countries by 2027.
    • Secretary Clinton marked the 30th anniversary of her remarks at the UN World Conference on Women, and announced a new Commitment to Action – a landmark report by the Women’s Initiative at Columbia SIPA’s Institute of Global Politics (IGP) and GWL Voices: Beijing+30: A Roadmap for Women’s Rights for the Next Thirty Years. The report outlines policy priorities critical to advancing the full and equal participation of women and girls in the twenty-first century, including in the areas of democracy and human rights, technology, economic participation, and conflict and climate. 
    • The Clinton Presidential Center, along with the City of Little Rock and ENFRA, announced a partnership to build the Clinton Sustainable Energy District (CSED) to offset carbon emissions and reduce utility costs through a new district energy system and a 5-megawatt solar array.
Chelsea Clinton speaks with Audrey Tang, Cyber Ambassador, Taiwan, and Deepak Bhargava, President, Freedom Together Foundation about “Putting People First” in the digital space taking a quantum leap with A.I. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

This year’s CGI Annual Meeting was reimagined to promote collaboration through Working Groups – facilitated, action-focused sessions where leaders will collaborate with mission-aligned organizations to drive real solutions in the areas that matter most and are under the greatest threat. Secretary Clinton announced progress from these Working Groups that CGI will build action on in the coming years and months:

  • Out of the Innovative Finance Working Group, Kiva Microfunds will launch a new social enterprise fund of at least $10 million in 2026, in partnership with corporate foundations.  
    • The Health Working Group focused on using AI to overcome systemic gaps in chronic care; one project that came out of this group will expand maternal telehealth in Zimbabwe. 
    • In the Education Working Group, the Clinton Foundation’s Too Small to Fail initiative and UNIDOS US led a conversation about expanding access to early learning. The group is exploring a pilot program in three U.S. cities in 2026 to provide immigrant families with early education resources.
    • The Human Rights and Democracy Working Group focused on issues including accelerating women’s democratic participation and defending LGBTQ+ rights, and developed ideas from civic education programs for at-risk youth in Northern Ireland to anti-authoritarian initiatives worldwide.
    • Members of the Climate Working Group dug into the tough realities of climate change and mapped out bold plans, including creating a water fund to unlock economic opportunities for millions; building climate adaptation hubs across the tropical belt, starting at COP30 in November; and opening new markets to support regenerative farmers. 
    • The Economy Working Group focused on challenges like the care economy and access to capital. Out of that discussion came a commitment to launch a Global Network for National Service that will strengthen, expand, and scale national service programs around the world. 
    • The Truth and Information Working Group discussed ways to cut through misinformation and focus on building community. In the next year, a top priority will be advocating for state and local leaders to enact responsible regulations on tech platforms and give users more ownership over their data. 
    • The Humanitarian Response Working Group emphasized the need for innovation, preparedness, and localized responses to humanitarian crises around the world; with action items including a shared information system among responding NGOs, new funding opportunities, and innovative research-based tools.
President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton and Dr. Chelsea Clinton award the Clinton Global Citizen Award to entrepreneur and philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano for his transformative philanthropic work, including contributing $900 million to disability services, education, animal welfare, healthcare and numerous other community focused non-profits. Golisano was also an early supporter of the Clinton Global Initiative.

President Clinton also awarded the Clinton Global Citizen Award to entrepreneur and philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano for his transformative philanthropic work. As Founder of Paychex, a human resources software and service provider for small to medium sized businesses, Golisano has invested in endeavors that advance entrepreneurship and drive the success of numerous businesses and start-ups; he has also made more than $900 million in philanthropic contributions to disability services, education, animal welfare, healthcare — including four children’s hospitals that bear his name; Rochester, Syracuse, Ft. Myers and Buffalo — and numerous other community focused non-profits. Past recipients of the Clinton Global Citizen Award include President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, Nadia Murad, and Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Find information on all 106Commitments to Action announced at CGI 2025 at clintonglobal.org.

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© 2025 News & Photo Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles,Inc. All rights reserved. For editorial feature and photo information, go to www.news-photos-features.com,email editor@news-photos-features.com.Blogging at www.dailykos.com/blogs/NewsPhotosFeatures

Anti-Trump Activism, Civil Rights, Climate Action, Climate Change, Donald Trump, Environment, Environmental Protection, Human Rights, Immigration-Migration-Refugees, News & Photo Features

New Yorkers Take to Streets to Protest for Climate Action, Democracy & Against Trump’s Anti-Climate, Anti-Immigrant, Anti-Democratic Actions

Protesters took to New York City streets on Saturday, September 20, to call for climate, social, and economic justice, and specifically, making billionaires and polluters pay up.© Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

By Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com, news-photos-features.com

Protesters took to New York City streets on Saturday, September 20, to call for climate, social, and economic justice, and specifically, making billionaires and polluters pay up.

The “Make Billionaires Pay” march united climate activists, migrant rights defenders and women’s rights advocates in their demands for climate and social justice. Climate movement researchers say the coalition reflects a growing shift toward intersectional, grassroots mobilization as climate action stalls at the federal level. It is led by 350.org, Climate Defenders, Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM), Target Majority NYC and Women’s March. 

Taking over NYC streets. Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“I hope we can scare Trump and his billionaire allies,” said Renata Pumarol, deputy director of Climate Defenders, a multi-racial and multi-generational climate organizing hub. “We need to show them that we are organized, and that there are more of us than them.”

“Our Planet. Our Health. Climate Action Now.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“The billionaire fascists are setting our world on fire,” Target Majority NYC stated. “They’re dismantling democracy, attacking immigrants, and fueling war. They profit off genocide and climate collapse. This moment demands mass mobilization. As world leaders gather in New York City for the UN General Assembly and Climate Week, it’s time to show them that we are revolting against Trump and the billionaire class. We’re calling on people across the US to join the nonviolent resistance by hosting a march in your community or joining the anchor march in NYC.”

Taking over New York City streets. Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“Everything feels out of control. ICE raids tearing families apart. Genocide streamed live on our screens,” Womens March declared.” Free speech and our freedoms under direct attack from the Trump regime. And billionaires are pouring gasoline on every fire while families can’t make rent. They want us scattered. Silent. Afraid. Today, we gather in power. As the United Nations meets and Climate Week begins, we take the streets of New York City- lound, undeniable, impossible to ignore.”

“Make Billionaires Pay”

They gathered during Climate Week, as the United Nations General Assembly gets underway.

“No Kings. Impeach. Convict. Remove.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

They marched as the Trump administration is actively rescinding the historic climate actions of the Biden Administration to transition to a clean, renewable energy economy, cancelling regulations to protect the air and water from pollution, cancelling  tax credits for electric vehicles, actively shutting down the offshore windfarms that were already well under construction, his EPA Administrator, Long Islander Lee Zeldin who unsuccessfully ran for New York Governor, rescinding the Endangerment Finding that empowers the federal government to regulate carbon emissions contributing to climate change.

“No Kings. Dump Trump.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“As soon as the second Trump administration took office in January 2025, he unleashed an immediate and unprecedented attack on our environment and public health,” writes the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “This includes a rollback of crucial environmental safeguards, the repeal of bedrock environmental and health laws, the delay of critical protections for endangered species, and attacks on well-established science and scientists.” (https://www.nrdc.org/resources/white-house-watch-tracking-attacks-our-environment-health)

“People Over Profits. Protect Our Planet.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The actions are not only hurting public health, exposing communities to more severe and deadly climate disasters, but affordability, as well. Ending the development and transition to clean, renewable energy makes American households dependent on ever-rising prices for fossil fuels.

“Make Billionaire Polluters Pay.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“Clean energy has lowered Americans’ bills, created hundreds of thousands of jobs, and helped fight climate change. But it’s bad for the fossil fuel industry’s bottom line, and Trump seems willing to stop at nothing to slow it down – including breaking the law his own party just passed,” the Climate Action Campaign (CAC) writes. “We need to build as much clean energy as we can to help avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Thanks to Trump and his fossil fuel cronies, Americans are getting more pollution, higher bills, and more deadly extreme weather instead of the healthy, safe, and prosperous future we deserve.” (https://www.actonclimate.com/post/cacs-alt-on-trumps-latest-attack-on-wind-and-solar/)

“Trump isa Climate Disaster.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

It’s hard to keep track of all the aggressively, in-your face anti-climate, anti-environment, anti-public health actions trump has unleashed – this list was compiled with the help of AI:

  • Withdrew from the Paris Agreement again.
    • Prioritizes fossil fuel production while actively attacking clean renewable energy development: Trump’s “America First Energy Plan” prioritizes fossil fuel development, including oil, coal, and natural gas, aiming for energy dominance through deregulation.
    • Reviving oil pipeline projects that communities rejected. 
    •  Opened protected areas for drilling: Trump administration finalized decisions to open Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and other federally protected lands and waters to drilling.
  • Declared a “national energy emergency” during his 2025 inauguration to justify further expansion of fossil fuel extraction and streamline the permitting process for new oil and gas projects.
  • Rolled back Clean Power Plan
  •  Weakened vehicle emissions standards: 
  • Targeted renewable energy: The second Trump administration has halted new offshore wind projects, even ones that were nearing completion, and limited tax credits for wind and solar projects as well as credits enabling homeowners to incorporate solar energy. 
  • Reduced Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authority and budget, undermining its ability to enforce environmental regulations, while declaring it would not bother to regulate polluters.
  • Weakened the Clean Water Act: The administration repealed the 2015 Clean Water Rule, narrowing the scope of federal protection for wetlands and small streams and leaving more waterways vulnerable to pollution.
  • Scaled back national monuments: Trump dramatically reduced the size of several national monuments, including Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah, to open up land for resource extraction. In 2020, he opened the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument to commercial fishing. In the second term, he has gone back to reverse Biden’s re-designations.
  • Loosened methane regulations: The EPA weakened rules that limited methane emissions from oil and gas operations on public and tribal lands.
  • Targeted toxics and pollution standards: The administration rolled back standards for mercury and air toxics from power plants and loosened rules regulating coal ash disposal, and delayed or rescinded standards keeping “forever chemicals” out of drinking water.
  • Cut climate research funding  including those at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and The National Weather Service, stopped satellite monitoring showing impacts of climate change, and cancelled reports that measure climate change.
  • Dismissed climate change: Trump and his administration frequently expressed skepticism about the scientific consensus on climate change and dismantled interagency groups designed to coordinate climate action and continues to call climate change a “hoax” and a “scam.”
  • Limited the “social cost of carbon”: An executive order disbanded the interagency working group that calculated the “social cost of carbon”—a metric used to quantify the economic damages from greenhouse gas emissions—and directed agencies to consider eliminating the calculation. Companies are discouraged from calculating the risk of climate change in their investments and public reporting.
  • Reduced public health protections: A 2018 analysis by Harvard researchers estimated that the environmental rollbacks could lead to thousands of extra deaths and millions of additional respiratory problems per decade due to increased pollution. 
“Sue Big Oil.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Meanwhile, a new study led by a Stony Brook University researcher projects that, due to climate change factors, there will be more wildfires in the coming decades, and their smoke could lead to tens of thousands of deaths by 2050.

“Stop CO2lonialism” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com“

Climate disasters have become more severe and more frequent and more costly even as Trump moves to shut down FEMA. The US spends $150 billion annually on climate-related disaster relief (as much as what Trump has allocated to militarize mass deportations), with recent years seeing even higher costs due to increased frequency of major events. The US experienced 27 billion-dollar disasters in 2024, totaling $182.7 billion – well above the 5-year average. 

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin has proposed rolling back carbon pollution standards for existing coal and new gas-fired power plants and dismantling standards that limit dangerous Mercury and Air Toxics (MATS) pollution from coal plants. These rollbacks would worsen air quality, hurt public health, and exacerbate the climate crisis. 

“Only a moron would destroy the CDC.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“Climate pollution is worsening health and living conditions for so many of our families  nationwide, which is why people across party lines strongly oppose their repeal,” stated Climate Action Campaign Director Margie Alt. “The EPA was created to protect people, not polluters. Eliminating these vital air pollution and climate protections will make our families sick, poison the air, and make extreme weather triggered by the climate crisis more deadly and destructive. The EPA should honor its mission to protect our health and environment, not advance an agenda that puts polluters first.”

Thousands of Americans are now dying each year from heat stroke, with global warming setting new records for temperature year after year.

See a list of the environmental and climate change horrors of Trump Administration at the National Resources Defense Council: https://www.nrdc.org/resources/white-house-watch-tracking-attacks-our-environment-health

Indigenous leader lead Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“Clean energy has lowered Americans’ bills, created hundreds of thousands of jobs, and helped fight climate change. But it’s bad for the fossil fuel industry’s bottom line, and Trump seems willing to stop at nothing to slow it down – including breaking the law his own party just passed. 

“No More Fossil Fuels.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Even as his administration works aggressively to harm the environment, unleash climate change rather than mitigate against it resulting in public health emergencies ranging from epidemics, to heat stroke, to asthma, to heart disease, trump is working to dismantle public health altogether.

A kind of catch-all for protest in what has become a rolling series of protests, other issues being voiced included democracy, rule of law, immigrant rights, human rights, Palestinian rights, ending war and conflict.

Here are more photo highlights:

Indigenous leaders at Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Workers Over Billionaires.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Respect Your Mother.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“We Are Not Afraid.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“No King. Impeach. Convict. Remove.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Seeking Refuge is a Human Right!” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Radical Elders” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Save Our Democracy.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Everyone is welcome here.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“War. Climate change. Each one leads to the other.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Women ending the era of fossil fuels and building a just transition.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“move the money from war to our communities.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Defend Earth. End War.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Go Solar.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Resist.” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“MAGA” Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Climate marchers have sit down in front of Trump Hotel. Climate March, NYC, Sept. 20, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

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© 2025 News & Photo Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles,Inc. All rights reserved. For editorial feature and photo information, go to www.news-photos-features.com,email editor@news-photos-features.com.Blogging at www.dailykos.com/blogs/NewsPhotosFeatures

Climate Action, Climate Change, Labor and Worker Issues, Labor and Workers

Northeast Governors Issue Joint Labor Day Statement Decrying Trump’s Cancellation of Offshore Wind Projects

JOINT LABOR DAY STATEMENT ON OFFSHORE WIND FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL, GOVERNOR MAURA HEALEY, GOVERNOR NED LAMONT, GOVERNOR DAN MCKEE, AND GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY

Climate Strike in New York City, September 2019. Northeast Governors are condemning Trump’s actions reversing offshore wind projects and climate actions permitted and funded under the Biden Administration and employing thousands of union workers. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“On Labor Day, we honor the strength, skill, and determination of America’s workers. From construction sites and factories to ports and power plants, working people are the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our shared prosperity.

“Nowhere is that clearer than in the offshore wind industry, where labor is on the front lines. Today, more than 5,000 workers—many of them proud union members—are directly engaged with building this new American industry, with many thousands more manufacturing products across 40 States that will help lead to a new era of U.S. energy independence. These projects represent years of planning, billions of dollars in private investment, and the promise of tens of thousands of additional jobs. They are revitalizing our ports, strengthening our supply chains, and ensuring that America—not our competitors—leads in clean energy manufacturing and innovation.

“We are looking for the Trump Administration to uphold all offshore wind permits already granted and allow these projects to be constructed. Efforts to walk back these commitments jeopardize hardworking families, wasting years of progress and ceding leadership to foreign competitors. Workers, businesses, and communities need certainty, not reversals that would cost tens of thousands of American jobs and critical investment. Sudden reversals would also impact countless other workers and taxpayers on scores of non-energy public projects. The U.S. markets operate on certainty. Canceling projects that have already been fully permitted–including some near completion—sends the worrisome message to investors that the work can be stopped on a whim, which could lead them to decide to either not finance different projects or impose higher interest rates that would ultimately place a bigger burden on taxpayers.

“At the same time, we remain committed to ensuring that the electric grid is reliable, resilient and affordable. Offshore wind and other renewables are central to that effort, but it must be complemented by a diverse mix of resources—including nuclear power, natural gas, hydropower, and other technologies—that together keep our system strong and our energy sources secure. Doing so will also help us attract major economic development projects that will offer economic security for American workers and transform communities as we move to a 21st century economy. As Governors, we are committed to delivering on this energy system for our states and working with the Trump Administration to advance projects that meet these objectives.

“On this Labor Day, we reaffirm our unwavering support for working people and the unions that represent them. We stand with America’s workers and strongly urge the Trump Administration to keep these projects on track—for our jobs, our families, our competitiveness, our energy security, and our future.”

Climate Action, Climate Change, Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State politics, News & Photo Features

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on How State is Prepared for Extreme Weather

It can happen here! Remembering the devastation on Long Island caused by Superstorm Sandy, New York State has mounted a Climate Action agenda to transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, while also taking action to mitigate against climate disasters and increase preparedness. Governor Kathy Hochul reviewed the state’s preparations in wake of renewed concern after the tragedies caused by Texas floods. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Extreme Weather Continues To Grow in Frequency and Intensity — Dozens of Temperature and Snowfall Records Broken in Recent Years, Along With Numerous Significant Rainfalls and Wildfires

Governor Launched Innovative State Weather Risk Communication Center at UAlbany; Invested More Than $25 Million to Expand Regional Presence of State Emergency Management Staff and Response Assets

New Yorkers Encouraged To Prepare Themselves Through Citizen Preparedness Corps

New Yorkers Can Text Their County or Borough to 333111 To Receive Real Time Emergency and Weather Alert Texts Directly to Their Phones

In contrast to the malicious negligence of climate-denying Trump, HHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Republican governors including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has worked for years stepping up the state’s mitigation and protection against the worsening severity and likelihood of climate disasters. After the tragic results of the Republican administration in Texas failure to spend money from its $30 billion “rainy day fund” on emergency warning system that could have prevented the loss of life of Camp Mystic and throughout the flash-flood prone region, and the extraordinary negligence of Kristi Noem who failed to send out rescue teams for 72 hours, Governor Hochul sought to alleviate New Yorkers’ concerns by focusing on how the state prepares for extreme weather and taking actions to mitigate for climate change as the state transitions to a clean-energy economy.- Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on the state’s preparedness and response capabilities as extreme weather continues to grow in frequency and intensity each year. In the face of this growing threat, as well as looming cuts in critical federal funding, Governor Hochul has made it a top priority to invest in the State’s capabilities to prepare for, and respond to, all types of extreme weather.

“New York State is no stranger to extreme weather, and New Yorkers must be prepared for the myriad of severe weather events that come our way,” Governor Hochul said. “Keeping our state safe and protected is my top priority, and my administration is committed to ensuring accessible emergency weather preparedness and an all-hands-on-deck approach to response and recovery operations as severe weather threats increase.”

New York has one of the nation’s most diverse threat landscapes, especially when it comes to the threat of extreme weather. Since taking office in 2021, weather-related natural disasters have resulted in eight Major Disaster Declarations, five Emergency Declarations and one Fire Management Assistance Grant Declaration from the federal government, as well as the declaration of at least 19 State Disaster Emergencies by Governor Hochul herself.

The diversity of natural threats has been wide ranging too. In 2024 and 2025 alone, New York has:

  • Broken 49 High Temperature Records
  • Broken 10 Low Temperature Records
  • Broken 19 Snowfall Records
  • Experienced 38 Tornadoes
  • Experienced 20 significant brush and wildfires, including the largest wildfire in NYS in 30+ years
  • Experienced at least 20 significant rainfall events; and
  • Experienced impacts from two tropical systems (Beryl and Debby)

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Extreme weather events are now the norm, so being prepared is our best defense. We are fortunate to have a Governor that not only understands this, but actively does something about it.  The significant investments Governor Hochul has made in training, equipment, planning and staffing have prepared us to support our local partners and all New Yorkers when a severe weather emergency strikes.”

“New York is leading the nation in building a strong connection between weather experts, emergency managers and the public— which is critical as our state faces increasingly frequent and extreme weather,: New York State Weather Risk Communication Center Director Nick Bassill said. “From hurricanes to lake effect snow and everything in between, the State Weather Risk Communication Center at UAlbany is working daily to help state and local emergency managers better prepare for and respond to severe weather events. I’d like to thank Governor Hochul and Commissioner Bray for their continued support and remain committed to making our communities safer and more resilient.”

Strengthening Preparedness and Response, While Building Resiliency

Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York has invested heavily in not only preparedness and response capabilities, but in building a more resilient state. Some of those efforts have included:

  • In December 2023, Governor Hochul announced the creation of New York’s State Weather Risk Communication Center (SWRCC) at the State University of New York at Albany. The Center is a first-of-its kind operational collaboration between university researchers and state emergency managers and serves as a clearinghouse for critical weather information. It also works to develop tools to help emergency managers make informed decisions to help protect communities and examines how communicating extreme weather risks to the public can be improved.
  • Governor Hochul secured $15 million in the FY25 Enacted Budget to enable the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to supply county partners with critical emergency response assets such as generators, high-flow pumps and flood barrier technology.
  • Governor Hochul secured an additional $10.4 million in the FY25 Enacted Budget to further strengthen the regional presence of State Emergency Management Staff, which will add to the volume and availability of on-the-ground support, planning, trainings, exercises, as well as build out our analytic and geospatial capabilities.
  • Governor Hochul secured a total of $90 million in the past two years to launch the Resilient & Ready, an initiative administered by New York Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) consisting of two programs that support resiliency and home repair efforts for low-and-moderate income homeowners. The Resilient Retrofits program provides assistance to eligible homeowners for making proactive flood mitigation and resiliency improvements. The Rapid Response program helps assist eligible households that experience home damage to make necessary repairs in the aftermath of certain major storms.
  • In January 2024, the Governor announced a comprehensive resiliency plan to protect people, communities, infrastructure and homes. 
  • Following the devastating tornado in Rome, Governor Hochul provided $11 million in Emergency Assistance, including up to $5 million for homeowners and $4 million for demolition in Oneida County after the event did not qualify for federal assistance. Another in May 2025 provided $3.5 million to rehab two buildings destroyed by the tornadoes as well. 

State Preparedness, Response and Recovery Operations

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is New York’s primary conduit for emergency preparedness and response operations for all emergencies, both natural and human made. During emergencies, OEM not only coordinates with local emergency responders to support local operations but helps coordinate the deployment of thousands of State personnel and pieces of equipment from numerous State agencies. 

OEM is also home to the State Watch Center which is staffed 24/7/365 to monitor hazardous activity throughout the State and ensure situational awareness for state leaders. Additionally, OEM maintain nine stockpiles located throughout the State which are able to provide emergency response assets and supplies as needed.

Along with Emergency Management, training first responders from all disciplines is a core mission for the Division.  Whether online, or in-person, over 54,000 firefighters, emergency managers, officers and other first responders received some form of training from the Division, including the 4,778 students who received training at the state’s Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. Separately, nearly 10,000 state and local first responders received training at the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany — one of the nation’s premier first responder training facilities.

The Division is also home to the Office of Disaster Recovery Programs which is responsible for the legwork necessary for obtaining federal disaster declarations and administering the federal recovery dollars that flow to communities as a result. Since 2021, the Division has issued payments totaling $12.36 billion in federal Public Assistance recovery funding and $410.6 million in Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding.

Individual Preparedness

In any emergency situation, individual preparedness is one of the most critical components of an effective response and the state offers New Yorkers a number of different ways to not only stay prepared, but stay informed as well. 

The New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps (CPC), administered by the Division and the New York National Guard, was established in 2014 to train New Yorkers how to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond immediately and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Nearly 433,000 New Yorkers have taken CPC training in community settings throughout the State.

CPC trainings are free and held in-person throughout the State. New Yorkers can find a local training and enroll online at the DHSES website. For those unable to attend in person, courses are also available online in English and with subtitles in 12 additional languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Urdu and Yiddish.

Additionally, Governor Hochul announced a new real-time emergency and weather alert system earlier this year as part of the State’s Hurricane Preparedness Week recognition efforts. Managed by the Division, this text option allows New Yorkers to text the name of their county or borough to 333111 to receive real time emergency and weather alerts and updates directly to their phones. New Yorkers should also remember to follow their local forecasts and visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on X, or visit dhses.ny.gov for important safety information.

Heat waves and other extreme heat events are likely to happen again this summer and New York State agencies are working to implement initiatives recommended by the State’s Extreme Heat Action Plan to help New Yorkers prepare for heat’s negative health and environmental impacts. In June, New York State marked significant progress on the first year of implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan (EHAP) with the first readiness update now available. The EHAP, led by DEC and NYSERDA along with DHSES and DOH under the direction of Governor Hochul, includes nearly 50 actions by State agencies to address extreme heat impacts across four tracks (local planning and capacity building, community preparedness and workers’ safety, resilient buildings and access to cooling, and advancing ecosystem-based adaptations). The full update on implementation progress is available here.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) closely monitors air quality conditions statewide and works with the State Department of Health to issue timely public health advisories that millions of New Yorkers depend on each year. Visit DEC’s website for updated forecasts and information about air quality index levels, and the Department of Health website for information on health risks and precautions related to air quality.  

New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

Climate Action, Climate Change, Economic Policies, Economy, Governor Kathy Hochul, Infrastructure, News & Photo Features

Amid Economic Turmoil Created by Trump’s Chaotic Tariffs, Reversals on Clean Energy, Climate Change, NYS Governor Hochul Takes Action

“New Yorkers and business owners all across the state have felt a sense of uncertainty when it comes to the impacts of President Trump’s callous tariffs on our imported goods,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “No business should have to close shop due to these unfair and unwanted taxes that were imposed on states by the Trump administration. This resource guide will help provide individuals with the guidance they need to lower potential risk to their businesses and give New Yorkers a better understanding of how tariffs can impact them.”
 
“New Yorkers and business owners all across the state have felt a sense of uncertainty when it comes to the impacts of President Trump’s callous tariffs on our imported goods,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.“No business should have to close shop due to these unfair and unwanted taxes that were imposed on states by the Trump administration. This resource guide will help provide individuals with the guidance they need to lower potential risk to their businesses and give New Yorkers a better understanding of how tariffs can impact them.” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

NY.gov/tariffs Will Keep New Yorkers Up-To-Date on Impacts of Tariffs

Amid the economic turmoil created by President Trump’s chaotic tariffs, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new tariff resource guide to keep New Yorkers up-to-date on programs available for business owners who have been impacted by tariffs. Additionally, the Governor announced a survey to allow business owners the opportunity to share how their businesses have been impacted by the federal government’s recently announced tariffs.

“New Yorkers and business owners all across the state have felt a sense of uncertainty when it comes to the impacts of President Trump’s callous tariffs on our imported goods,” Governor Hochul said. “No business should have to close shop due to these unfair and unwanted taxes that were imposed on states by the Trump administration. This resource guide will help provide individuals with the guidance they need to lower potential risk to their businesses and give New Yorkers a better understanding of how tariffs can impact them.”

Tariffs Impacts on the Economy and Tourism

Governor Hochul has heard from small and mid-sized businesses across the state who are worried about rising costs and their future. A recent survey from the National Small Business Association found that the majority of small businesses are concerned about tariffs and one in three are very concerned. Examples include North Country manufacturer Alcoa, which took an estimated $20 million hit on imports from Canada, and North Country Golf Club which is facing declines in businesses due to the decline in tourism from Canada.

Due to the tariff trade war with Canada, New York’s number one trade partner, and the rhetoric that Canada could be the “51st state,” impacts are widespread. Visitors from Canada are avoiding the U.S. and New York State. Overall, cross-border traffic from Canada has plummeted since Trump implemented his tariff policies. The most recent data shows that there were 400,000 fewer Canadian visitors in May compared to the same period in 2024. Bridge crossings over the Ogdensburg Bridge and the Champlain crossing in May were down 30 percent during that same time period from last year. In a recent North Country Chamber of Commerce survey, 66 percent of tourism businesses report a drop in Canadian customers and one in four businesses in the region may cut staff as a result. Reservations are down at hotels, campgrounds, local marinas, golf courses and other businesses that rely on visitors from Canada.

It deserves reminding that the president has no authority to unilaterally impose tariffs. Moreover, Trump is using tariffs to strong arm other countries to obey his will: telling Brazil, for example, that he will raise tariffs on Brazilian goods by 50 percent unless the country ends its prosecution of Bolsanaro for attempting the same kind of coup as Trump mounted on January 6, 2021, but unlike Trump, was held to account. (Trump Threatens Brazil With Tariffs of 50% as He Assails Prosecution of Bolsonaro)

New York State is also contradicting and countering the destructive policies of the climate-change denying Trump administration and Republican-dominated states (like Texas and Florida):

Madison County Gets Major Renewable Energy Project

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) has issued a final siting permit to Cypress Creek Renewables to develop and operate Oxbow Hill Solar, a 140-megawatt (MW) solar array in the Town of Fenner in Madison County. The project will create good-paying jobs, improve grid reliability, invest in crucial infrastructure, and increase tax revenues for local schools and other community priorities.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the latest investment in solar technology, upholding our commitment to improving grid reliability and building a clean energy economy,” Governor Hochul said. “The projects we have approved over the last few years are a testament to New York’s commitment to sustainability and resiliency.”

The Oxbow Hill Solar facility will contribute 140 MW of clean, renewable energy to New York’s electric grid while offsetting over 177,000 metric tons of CO2 and providing power for approximately 23,000 average-sized homes.

The new solar facility will consist of the solar array and associated support equipment, along with an interconnection substation, fencing, access roads and an operations and maintenance building. The facility will interconnect to the New York electrical grid via the Fenner Wind to Whitman Road 115 kV transmission line that is owned and operated by National Grid. Oxbow Hill is sited on a portion of the existing Fenner Wind Farm, making it the first ORES permit where a solar facility is co-located with a wind facility.

This project was approved in less than the one-year timeframe required under the law, and was issued after a thorough, timely, and transparent review process that included public comment periods and hearings.

Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission Executive Director Zeryai Hagos said, “As the state approaches 4 gigawatts of clean, renewable energy, a monumental achievement, we are reminded that we still have work to do to address New York’s growing energy needs. ORES will continue to advance New York’s nation-leading clean energy policies while being responsive to community feedback and protecting the environment.”

This project is anticipated to create a total of 330 jobs during construction and marks 24 clean energy projects approved by ORES since 2021, when it was created to accelerate permitting for renewable energy generation. New York State has approved 28 large-scale solar and wind projects since 2021, including 24 permitted by ORES and four approved by the NYS Siting Board under Article 10, the statute that governed solar and wind projects over 25-MW prior to the creation of ORES. The 28 permitted facilities represent 3.9 gigawatts of new clean, renewable energy.

ORES’ decision for these facilities follows a detailed and transparent review process with robust public participation to ensure the proposed project meets or exceeds the requirements of Article VIII of the New York State Public Service Law and its implementing regulations. The application for the Oxbow Hill Solar project was deemed complete on November 18, 2024 with a draft permit issued by ORES on January 14, 2025. This solar power project meaningfully advances New York’s clean energy goals while establishing the State as a paradigm for efficient, transparent, and thorough siting permitting process of major renewable energy facilities.

Today’s decisions may be obtained by going to the ORES website.

Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “By strengthening New York’s energy economy, we position ourselves to not only meet the growing electricity demand, but to do so sustainably. The solar array in Madison County brings us one step closer in reaching our climate and energy goals. Each major renewable energy project helps deliver the critical climate action that our state urgently needs, while also creating hundreds of local jobs and new revenue for community priorities. At a time where the federal government threatens progress on clean energy, New York remains unwavering in its provision of renewable and efficient energy for years to come.”

New York State’s Climate Agenda

New York State has approved 28 large-scale solar and wind projects since 2021, consistent with its Climate Agenda.

New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

Southern Tier Gets $21 Million in Flood Protection Projects

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $21 million to support flood protection projects in the Southern Tier. The projects address vital stormwater management and resilient infrastructure projects in communities including Binghamton, Elmira, Olean, and Whitney Point to help advance New York’s comprehensive clean water and resiliency efforts that will safeguard New Yorkers from extreme weather and the costly expenses of rebuilding after a flood.

“As we face more and more devastating extreme storms, we must do everything we can to ensure our communities are resilient, sustainable and ready,” Governor Hochul said. “We saw the flooding in Binghamton almost 15 years ago, and we don’t want to see it again. These projects help us get ahead of the storm damage, save taxpayers millions of dollars in the long run, and prevent post-flood recovery costs for homeowners and businesses alike.”

The $21 million provided through the ‘Restoration and Flood Risk’ category of the historic $4.2 billion Clean Air, Clean Water and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 will support projects implemented by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The initial four projects announced today will help make necessary updates and bolster the resilience of existing flood infrastructure like levees and flood walls, to help ensure these structures’ long-term effectiveness in protecting communities from flooding. These flood control structures were originally constructed under the federal 1936 Flood Control Act to specifically address flooding along the Southern Tier of New York State and built in the 1940s and early 1950s.

Video of The Project Areas are Available Here

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and historic investments, New York State is making important progress to protect communities and infrastructure from the devastating impacts of flooding. By supporting DEC’s repairs and upgrades in Binghamton, Elmira, Olean, and Whitney Point with the record funding from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, the Governor is advancing key projects in communities that are susceptible to flooding, helping provide residents the support they need to avoid potential costly repairs if flooding occurs.”

“As climate change continues to intensify storms and flooding across New York, proactive investments like these are critical to protecting communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems,” Assemblymember Deborah Glick said. “The $21 million in Environmental Bond Act funding announced today will strengthen flood control systems in the Southern Tier, projects that are not only long overdue, but essential for public safety and long-term resiliency. I applaud Governor Hochul and Commissioner Lefton for advancing these vital efforts to build a safer, more climate-resilient New York.”

 

City of Binghamton Flood Control Project: DEC is making improvements to the Binghamton Flood Control Project located along the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers in the City of Binghamton. Rehabilitation of the floodwalls is necessary to ensure Binghamton has a resilient working flood protection system. The construction includes replacement of two floodwall panels, replacing deteriorated concrete, and application of a protective coating on the floodwalls to extend the useful life of the concrete walls.  

  

City of Elmira Flood Control Project: DEC is making improvements to the Elmira Flood Control Project along the Chemung River, which provides flood protection for the city of Elmira. The project consists of levees, and flood walls with appurtenant drainage structures. The project will install 65 relief wells along with collector pipes to provide pressure relief caused by floodwaters and will ensure the structure meets U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirements.  

  

City of Olean Flood Control Project: DEC is making improvements to the Olean Flood Control Project located on the Allegheny River and Olean Creek in the city of Olean. The project will stabilize a section of existing levee system, mitigate erosion, and improve access to the levee for regular DEC maintenance. 

 

Village of Whitney Point Flood Control Project: DEC is making improvements to the Whitney Point Flood Control Project located on the Tioughnioga River in the village of Whitney Point. The project will upgrade the manual gate system and install a new swing gate closure structure to more efficiently and effectively close the existing stoplog railroad closure. 

  

On Nov. 8, 2022, New Yorkers overwhelmingly approved the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act ballot proposition to make $4.2 billion available for environmental and community projects. The Environmental Bond Act supports new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change. State agencies, local governments, and partners can access this historic funding to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency, and create green jobs.

The projects announced today complement other state investments and opportunities to protect communities from flood damage. In May, Governor Hochul announced more than $78 million in funding available through the Water Quality Improvement Project Program and $22 million in Climate Smart Community grants, which both support projects that include flood risk reduction. Applications for these latest rounds of funding are due by July 31, 2025. In April, the Governor also announced $60 million in Environmental Bond Act funding for the next round of Green Resiliency Grants. The program supports vital stormwater management and resilient infrastructure projects in flood-prone communities across New York State. Applications for this program are due by Aug. 15, 2025. To learn more about resources available for resilient Bond Act-supported projects, visit environmentalbondact.ny.gov.

New York’s Commitment to Water Quality

New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure. With an additional $500 million for clean water infrastructure in the 2025-2026 enacted State Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure since 2017. The budget also maintains a strong commitment to environmental conservation with a $425 million Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). This funding bolsters a wide array of vital programs, including land acquisition for habitat and open space preservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives, and water quality improvement projects.