Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has been awarded a $32 million federal grant to advance the use of low-carbon construction materials in state transportation projects. The funding, provided through the Federal Highway Administration’s Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants program, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the construction sector.
“Whether it’s droughts, wildfires, or record-breaking snowstorms, New Yorkers are feeling the effects of climate change in their daily lives, and these low-carbon grants are an important tool in our efforts to stop it,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding from the Biden-Harris Administration will help us use cleaner materials in our transportation projects, which will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere and advance our battle against climate change.”
Embodied carbon — emissions produced throughout a material’s lifecycle, from production to disposal — accounts for about one-third of the construction industry’s carbon footprint. The NYSDOT’s Low Carbon Transportation Materials program will use the funding to identify and implement materials with lower embodied carbon levels, refine technical specifications, and establish processes for verifying the environmental impact of materials used in state projects.
Specifically, the grant will support outreach and training initiatives for NYSDOT staff and industry stakeholders, evaluations of low-carbon materials for performance and durability, and the development of updated technical guidelines for procurement and implementation.
NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez emphasized the critical role of sustainable materials in fighting climate change. “Embodied carbon is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and these federal funds will help NYSDOT continue to lead the way in identifying and utilizing more climate-friendly materials so we can safeguard our environment for future generations,” Dominguez said.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the grant, calling it a “win-win” for both the environment and the economy. “I am proud to deliver this $32 million in federal funding from my Inflation Reduction Act to help pave the way for more low-carbon materials in transportation projects across New York,” Schumer said.
The funding aligns with broader state and federal goals to combat climate change through infrastructure innovation. Combined with initiatives from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, New York continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable transportation development.
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