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Scenic Hudson Statement on Gov. Hochul’s 2023 State of the State Address

Pledges commitment to achieving climate, conservation, and housing goals

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Andy Bicking, Director of Government Relations & Public Policy: 914-489-1568; abicking@scenichudson.org

HUDSON VALLEY—Scenic Hudson released the following statement about Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2023 State of the State address, in which she outlined her policy priorities for the year ahead. The organization particularly called out her commitment to advancing the state’s response to climate change while balancing economic development goals with smart conservation, energy, housing, and agricultural policies.

These priorities build upon the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, passed by voters in November, and the Climate Scoping Plan, released to the public last month, which provides a framework for achieving New York’s nation-leading climate goals.

Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said, “When it comes to climate, New York State is leading the nation with innovative approaches to address climate change while enhancing economic opportunity and environmental protection for New Yorkers. Governor Hochul’s State of the State address outlined a clear agenda for how to accomplish this, including building more climate-smart affordable housing and ensuring that new economic development projects will meet the state’s high standard for climate goals and energy efficiency. It also mobilizes a new $250-million fund to support water quality and other compatible infrastructure needs.”

“At the same time, the governor continues to advance the important goal of siting renewable energy projects — both offshore wind and solar energy facilities. Scenic Hudson’s work to maximize the development of solar power while protecting the Hudson Valley’s priceless natural resources, scenic views, and historic sites provides a path forward for how the state can collaborate with local communities to realize this vision. We commend Assemblywoman Didi Barrett in this regard for proposing her SITED Act.”

Mr. Sullivan added, “Importantly, Governor Hochul’s address also acknowledged the role of agriculture. Small, independent farms make up much of the Hudson Valley’s landscape and rural economy, with the health of their soils at the center of their economic and cultural activity. We are encouraged that the governor is taking steps to increase demand for fresh, New York-grown food, creating a food supply workforce pipeline, and expanding urban agriculture and community gardens in Mid-Hudson Valley cities.”

Director of Government Relations and Public Policy Andy Bicking said, “With the state’s Climate Scoping Plan now in place, it’s time for New York’s leaders to turn their collective attention toward its implementation. Governor Hochul’s State of the State address provides a balanced path forward for how to achieve our climate and conservation goals while providing safe and affordable housing and energy opportunities to the people of our state. Scenic Hudson looks forward to working with the governor’s office and the state Legislature to accomplish these goals. In the upcoming legislative session we will be focusing on strategies that make the most of New York’s open spaces — its productive farms and forests — in managing carbon and harmful greenhouse gases, and ensuring that renewable energy facilities are sited in a manner that achieves the state’s climate goals while protecting our most important lands and waters for future generations. The governor’s proposal to make state parks energy-independent also represents a huge opportunity to focus the state’s parks capital fund as well as to build interagency connections and affordable-energy options for New Yorkers.”