ECO-LOGIC
Greening New York’s Budget
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What's the Issue?
Every year, New York State passes a budget that includes funding for environmental, community, and climate change initiatives. And each year, as costs increase and other issues clamor for attention and limited dollars, we must again make the case to the Governor and State Legislature that a clean, healthy environment is paramount to quality of life in New York.
In the first quarter of the year, we spend a considerable amount of time talking with partner organizations and lawmakers to ensure that money is allocated to important programs that help us continue to defend the valley.
Call on Governor Hochul to sign the SUNNY Act!
We’re almost there! A bill that will allow New Yorkers to install affordable “balcony solar” devices (at their homes, apartments, and businesses) has passed in the State Assembly and is headed to the Governor’s desk.
Now we need your help to get the SUNNY Act to the finish line!
What's Our Vision?
We are proud that New York is one of the top states in the country when it comes to investing in environmental initiatives, but there is still more to do. We want New York — especially the Hudson Valley — to lead the nation in clean air and water, land protection, environmental justice, and climate resilience.
What's the Status
In late May 2026 — nearly two months behind schedule — the Legislature passed the New York State budget for fiscal year 2027 and Governor Hochul signed it into law.
The final budget showed distressing cracks in the state’s armor when it comes to the environment, including changes to New York State’s trailblazing climate law. At the same time, we were encouraged by the agreement reached on updating the state environmental review process (learn more) as well as funding achievements that we tirelessly advocated for with partners.
Three Under-the-Radar Wins
Restored dollars for the Hudson River Estuary
What happened
Since last year’s budget, Scenic Hudson has been pushing to restore a $500,000 cut in funding for the Hudson River Estuary Program. We are grateful that this year’s budget includes the full $8 million requested, including a suballocation of $1.5 million for the Mohawk River Basin Program.
Why it matters
Both the Hudson and Mohawk programs strengthen flood resilience and water quality within these watersheds. Among other benefits, they provide technical and financial support to municipalities that would otherwise be unable to pursue these types of projects.
Critical funding boosts for farming
What happened
We are excited to see a $1 million increase to support New York farmers as they work to implement climate resilient farming practices, a $1 million increase for Soil and Water Conservation Districts that assist and educate farmers, and a $2 million increase for farmland protection.
Why it matters
In an era of small farm closures and uncertainty from rising economic and climate pressures, the funds create a stronghold of direct financial support for sustainable agriculture, food system resiliency, and farm viability.
Progress on solar power
What happened
We join coalition partners in extending our thanks for $200 million for the NY-Sun program — the first new allocation since its original $5 billion capitalization plan in 2016. We are also pleased to see the passage of portions of the Accelerate Solar for Available Power (ASAP) Act within the budget.
Why it matters
We’re seeing firsthand the urgency of addressing energy affordability and the climate crisis in the Hudson Valley, and renewable energy is a key priority. The NY-Sun allocation will fund roughly 1 gigawatt of new solar capacity for residential, community, and commercial solar installations. The ASAP Act provisions will lower costs and accelerate timelines to connect renewable energy and storage projects to the electrical grid.
For additional budget analysis — including hard-fought wins and disappointing cuts that threaten the state’s only dedicated capital investment program for the environment — check out our detailed budget breakdown.
Know the Lingo
State Legislature
The New York State Legislature consists of two houses: the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly. The Senate currently has 63 members, and the Assembly has 150 members.
Executive Budget
In New York, the Governor submits a budget plan for each fiscal year to the State Legislature. The current state fiscal year runs from April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.
Appropriations
After the governor proposes her executive budget to the New York State Legislature, there is healthy debate and discussion about it. The final decisions about how to allocate funds, made jointly by the Legislature and the governor, are called appropriations.
KEEP NY GREEN
Become a Valley Defender to get updates and take action to make sure your voice is heard in Albany.
What can you do now?
REACH OUT TO YOUR LEGISLATORS
Tell your elected officials to support important programs that help us in our ongoing efforts to defend the valley.
- GOVERNOR HOCHUL: Email her here, or find her on social media @GovKathyHochul
- STATE SENATOR: Find your Senator here
- STATE ASSEMBLY: Find your Assembly member here
ATTEND A LOBBY DAY
Throughout the budget process, lobby days are held by various organizations and coalitions to bring diverse and passionate voices to Albany. This is one way to ensure that political leaders in Albany hear directly from the people they represent, about the issues they care about. During a lobby day, you can meet directly with legislators and their staffers to discuss a variety of issues that affect your communities with the help of trained advocates.
ADD YOUR VOICE! We bring the voices of the Hudson Valley directly to the decision makers and policy makers shaping our future.
Share your voice!