Labor, environmental, and community leaders from Rochester are urging Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers to prioritize climate funding in the upcoming state budget, pointing to a delayed emissions cap program they say could unlock billions in revenue and benefit struggling New Yorkers.
Speaking at a press conference on March 21 at the Area Labor Federation, advocates rallied behind the NY Renews “Fund Climate” campaign. Their message was clear: the state must release the draft regulations for the Cap-and-Invest program and include robust climate investments in the 2025-2026 budget.
The Cap-and-Invest program, designed to cap toxic emissions and charge polluters for their output, has been on hold by Governor Hochul’s administration. Advocates say the delay is leaving up to $5 billion annually on the table—funds they argue are desperately needed in the face of federal cuts and growing environmental and economic crises.
“This is money Rochester needs,” said Graham Hughes of the Climate Solutions Accelerator. “To lower costs, to create jobs, and to retool our economy to work for people.”
The proposed climate investments include free home energy upgrades for low- and moderate-income families, development of a Sustainability Workforce Training Center, and new job opportunities tied to the region’s clean energy future. Local leaders say Rochester—where residents face the third-highest energy burden in the country—would benefit immensely.
Dan Maloney, President of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, called for “paid apprenticeships and new jobs for those shut out of the workforce,” while LaWanda Shipman of the Federation of Social Workers emphasized the need to reduce costs for families who are “hard hit” by high utility bills.
The Cap-and-Invest plan is popular among New Yorkers, with 80% supporting emissions regulation and 74% backing efforts to make fossil fuel companies pay for pollution, according to campaign organizers.
City Council Member Mary Lupien called it a “progressive vision that directly benefits working New Yorkers,” adding, “we need Hochul to deliver for Rochester.”
NY Renews is also backing legislation to ensure that any cap-and-invest revenue flows through the state’s Climate Action Fund and meets standards for equity and community involvement. Additional proposals include the NY HEAT Act, the Affordable Climate-Ready Homes Act, and a GAP Fund to improve home energy efficiency and affordability.
Advocates say the time for action is now. “Anything less than bold, visionary leadership on climate justice is condemning our communities,” said Dr. Michi Wenderlich of Metro Justice.
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