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New York Allocates $1 Billion to Expand Building Upgrades and Clean Energy Programs

New York Allocates $1 Billion to Expand Building Upgrades and Clean Energy Programs

New York State has announced a $1 billion expansion of its Sustainable Future Program, earmarking significant funds for building decarbonization, energy-cost reduction, and renewable energy initiatives. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will oversee the allocation of $500 million for building upgrades and thermal networks. This includes $150 million each for EmPower+, affordable housing upgrades, and utility-scale thermal energy networks, alongside $50 million for the Clean Green Schools Initiative. These programs aim to support home energy assessments, efficiency improvements, heat pumps, weatherization, and all-electric multifamily housing. Additionally, $300 million is designated for expanding renewable energy, with $200 million going to the NY-Sun program for solar incentives across homes, multifamily properties, businesses, and municipalities. The New York Power Authority will receive $100 million to finance public renewable-energy projects. The remaining $87.5 mil...
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
Blakeman pulls within single digits of Hochul in governor's race poll

Blakeman pulls within single digits of Hochul in governor's race poll

The poll, conducted between Sept. 11-17, reveals a tightening race for New York's next governor.
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Onondaga County IDA Approves $13 Million for Micron Pipeline Extension

Onondaga County IDA Approves $13 Million for Micron Pipeline Extension

Onondaga County IDA Approves $13 Million for Micron Pipeline Extension
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
Hochul holds 'sizable advantage' over Blakeman in new Quinnipiac poll

Hochul holds 'sizable advantage' over Blakeman in new Quinnipiac poll

The survey of more than 1,000 likely New York voters, conducted between Sept. 17-20, also examined voters' top issues ahead of Election Day.
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
Metro-North Railroad gets $270M to address flooding. Here's why, where

Metro-North Railroad gets $270M to address flooding. Here's why, where

The MTA will begin construction on a 20-mile stretch of track between Spuyten Duyvil and Hastings-on-Hudson prone to flooding and mud slides in 2029.
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
FloodSafe NY launches statewide network to improve flood warnings

FloodSafe NY launches statewide network to improve flood warnings

New York is launching FloodSafe NY to help communities track flood risks and respond to extreme weather.
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Governor Janet Mills Vetoes Maine Data Center Moratorium Bill Amid National Debate

Governor Janet Mills Vetoes Maine Data Center Moratorium Bill Amid National Debate

Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, vetoed a bill earlier this year that would have established the first statewide moratorium on data centers in Maine. This action comes as a national movement against the rapid proliferation of data centers gains momentum, with activists pushing for state and local regulations due to environmental and economic concerns. The veto by Governor Mills contrasts with efforts in other states, such as New York, where state lawmakers passed a similar moratorium bill, though Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to sign it, opting instead for a one-year pause via executive order to develop regulations. The broader context includes President Trump's support for AI companies, which has fueled a surge in data center construction, despite growing public opposition. A recent survey indicated that three-quarters of Americans oppose data centers, a significant increase from the previous year.
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New York State Agritourism Triples Revenue, Supported by Cornell Cooperative Extension

New York State Agritourism Triples Revenue, Supported by Cornell Cooperative Extension

New York State Agritourism Triples Revenue, Supported by Cornell Cooperative Extension
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
Mount Vernon Armory to be transformed with $13M in state funding

Mount Vernon Armory to be transformed with $13M in state funding

The Mount Vernon Armory, built in 1889, will be transformed into a community center for seniors, children and job training.
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States Plan New 'Climate Superfund' Legislation Despite Federal Ruling Against New York Law

States Plan New 'Climate Superfund' Legislation Despite Federal Ruling Against New York Law

Multiple state lawmakers across the U.S. are preparing to introduce new 'climate superfund' legislation in upcoming sessions, aiming to compel polluters to finance climate change mitigation efforts. This initiative persists despite a recent federal judge's ruling that effectively blocked New York's climate superfund law. Legislators in California, Illinois, and Massachusetts, who previously sponsored similar bills, have expressed continued interest in advancing these proposals. Massachusetts State Rep. Steven Owens (D) is looking to 'future-proof' his bill, while California Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D) plans to re-introduce legislation focused on making 'big polluters' pay their fair share. Illinois General Assembly Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D) believes the New York ruling does not apply to Illinois and intends to move forward with their bill. These efforts follow the enactment of similar policies in Vermont and New York in 2024, though many other states' attempts to pass such legislation in 2026 did n...
Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
She stopped a gunman who injured 3 cops. Meet NY's Officer of the Year

She stopped a gunman who injured 3 cops. Meet NY's Officer of the Year

Rochester officer Nicole Amatore was honored for her actions in a December shootout that left three fellow officers wounded.