CONTACT:
Melissa Attias, Media Relations Coordinator
mattias@scenichudson.org; 845-473-4440 x289
For Immediate Release
HUDSON VALLEY – Affordability, renewable energy, and investments in sustainability go hand in hand — which is why Scenic Hudson was pleased to see Governor Kathy Hochul’s attention to these issues in her 2026 State of the State address, amidst growing challenges at the federal level. The Governor showcased her commitment to the well-being of all New Yorkers by announcing her continued investment in environmental protection and energy affordability. Scenic Hudson also hopes to see those priorities advanced in the Executive Budget through increased investment in renewable energy and advancement of the goals laid out in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said, “We are thrilled that Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address highlighted strong commitments to funding the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), expanding programs for clean drinking water, and climate resilience support for at-risk New York communities. The Governor’s proposal to maintain $425 million in record funding for the EPF will ensure the continuation of critical farmland preservation, native habitat restoration, public land stewardship, and other crucial conservation programs in the Hudson Valley and throughout the state. Furthermore, her bold $3.75 billion commitment to modernize New York’s water systems over the next five years will bolster and expand the state’s nation-leading drinking water protection programs, and strengthen the ability of drinking water suppliers to protect communities from toxic ‘forever chemical’ contamination. Scenic Hudson is proud to partner with Governor Hochul to help ensure that New York remains a national model for conserving our precious land, water, and agricultural resources.”
Pete Lopez, Scenic Hudson Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Science, said, “At a time of skyrocketing utility bills, Governor Hochul has announced important steps to decrease costs for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers through expanded funding for programs like Empower+. Scenic Hudson applauds those efforts, along with the Governor’s plan to support farmers and schools in decreasing their utility costs by integrating solar energy. Governor Hochul’s focus on affordability must prioritize renewable energy, which is the fastest, cheapest way to put new energy on the grid and decrease costs for ratepayers. Reliance on new fossil fuel infrastructure like gas pipelines is not just bad for the environment — it will also make energy more expensive down the road.
As federal tax credits for solar and wind power are phased out, it is imperative that New York State support renewable energy development by both cutting red tape and investing in renewables. Scenic Hudson looks forward to working with Governor Hochul to achieve those goals and urges her to include the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power Act in the Executive Budget, which would save billions of dollars for ratepayers by making it cheaper and easier to build rooftop and community solar projects in New York. Similarly, we request that Governor Hochul continue working to achieve the goals laid out in the CLCPA, which are not just compatible with her affordability agenda, but essential to achieving it.”
