Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Advance Climate Action and Protect Environment

Governor Hochul today signed three pieces of legislation focused on clean energy upgrades, climate education and research, and environmental protection, including one establishing an electric landscaping equipment rebate program.

"I will never stop fighting to clean up the air we breathe," Governor Hochul said. "The rebate legislation I signed will encourage the purchase of cleaner and quieter battery-powered lawn mowers and other landscaping equipment that will benefit us all."

A.2657A is designed to improve air quality, reduce noise pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions by creating a rebate program for commercial landscapers who voluntarily purchase emission-free mowers and other landscaping equipment.

In addition to commercial landscapers, the rebate program would also be available to state agencies and authorities, local governments and school districts, private schools, universities, and non-profit organizations.

State Senator Liz Krueger said, "Addressing the climate crisis requires action on all fronts. Gas-powered landscaping equipment emits a stunning amount of air pollution, not to mention the noise that blights communities across the state. This new rebate program will make it easier for New York's landscaping companies and institutions to transition to cleaner, quieter equipment. It's a win for small businesses, workers, communities and our shared environment, and I thank Governor Hochul for signing it into law today."

Assemblymember Steven Otis said, "Thank you to Governor Hochul for supporting small businesses and institutions in transitioning to emission-free equipment that will improve air quality, public health and make purchase of new equipment more affordable for local contractors. Senator Krueger and I have worked with a broad coalition of over 100 environmental, public health, and business groups led by NYPIRG to support this rebate program that will help local businesses continue to serve their customers."

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "New York continues to turn clean energy policies into practical solutions that can deliver lasting benefits for communities across the state. From making electric lawn care equipment more accessible to helping schools invest in clean energy upgrades and supporting the next generation of climate research and education, these measures demonstrate Governor Hochul's continued commitment to advancing innovation, reducing emissions, and ensuring a more affordable and resilient future for New Yorkers."

New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, "Making it easier for businesses, state agencies and local governments to purchase electric landscaping equipment will lower greenhouse gas emissions, help create quieter communities and reduce harmful air pollution across the state - especially for the landscapers who use this equipment every day. NYLCV applauds Governor Hochul as well as bill sponsors Senator Krueger and Assemblymember Otis on this measure and for their commitment to improving the health of all New Yorkers."

New York Public Interest Research Group Senior Policy Advisor Blair Horner said, "Noisy, polluting gas-powered leafblowers beware, New York is moving toward quieter, cleaner, battery-powered landscaping equipment. NYPIRG applauds Governor Hochul for her approval of this legislation and thanks Assemblymember Otis and Senator Krueger for the strong advocacy."

A.9590A authorizes the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York to provide financing to the New York Climate Exchange, a non-profit consortium led by the State University of New York at Stony Brook, for the construction of facilities on Governors Island that will promote climate education and research. The physical campus is projected to open in 2029.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, "To protect our climate, we have to truly understand it. By investing in this Climate Campus and offering environmental education and testing on Governors Island, we're laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future, and giving the next generation access to the tools they need to succeed in our changing world. Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing this important bill, and to the New York Climate Exchange for their work."

Assemblymember Charles D. Fall said, "I'm proud to see my legislation establishing a path for critical financing for The New York Climate Exchange signed into law. This investment will help transform Governors Island into a world-class destination for climate research, education and innovation, bringing together the people and ideas that will shape a more resilient future."

DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Governor Hochul continues to advance investments that strengthen New York's leadership in climate innovation, education and research. This legislation gives DASNY the ability to provide financing to support The New York Climate Exchange as it develops a world-class campus on Governors Island. We are proud to bring DASNY's financing expertise to projects that strengthen New York's institutions, create opportunity and build a more sustainable future."

S.1986 gives school districts more time to pay off clean energy upgrades using money they save on their utility bills by increasing the time period for recovery to up to 25 years, up from the current 18.

State Senator Pete Harckham said, "It's time to help school districts that are ready to commit to renewable energy projects like solar for their buildings, and that's what this new law does. Along with assisting in the fight against climate change, these renewables will end up saving taxpayer dollars year after year. I thank Governor Hochul for signing the bill and Assemblywoman Griffin for her strong partnership with this legislation. But most of all, I am proud of the student advocates whose hard work and concern about their environment helped spur this initiative. Truly, this is a great example of young people driving change that will benefit us all."

Assemblymember Judy Griffin said, "After nearly a decade of championing this common-sense cost-saving legislation, I am extremely proud to see it cross the finish line. School districts across New York are facing significant financial pressure, and this measure is an effective way to save districts money preventing passing these costs on to local taxpayers. Extending the recovery period for school energy performance contracts from 18 to 25 years makes more energy upgrade projects financially feasible, helping districts invest in modern, energy efficient infrastructure. These lower energy bills offer long-term savings for school districts directing more resources to students. This is a win for taxpayers, a win for schools, the environment, the work force, and the clean energy economy. I thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of this measure."