Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a landmark $1 billion investment in New York’s future as part of the state’s FY 2026 Enacted Budget, marking the most ambitious climate, environmental, and agricultural agenda in the state’s history. The Sustainable Future Program, a central component of the budget, aims to transform New York into a more sustainable, greener state, while also bolstering its agricultural backbone.
“We have secured a record $1 billion to build a greener, more sustainable New York,” said Governor Hochul. “We’re doing all of this while maintaining our longstanding commitment to New York farmers.”
Key Climate and Infrastructure Investments
The Sustainable Future Program is designed to accelerate New York’s decarbonization goals with a series of transformative initiatives:
- $450 million to reduce building emissions through clean heating and energy efficiency upgrades.
- $250 million for expanding electric school buses, EV charging infrastructure, and electric vehicle initiatives like NYSERDA’s Charge Ready NY.
- $200 million to extend renewable energy projects and implement thermal energy networks in public buildings.
These efforts aim to reduce household energy costs, modernize New York’s aging infrastructure, and create a wealth of green jobs across the state.
Boosting Agriculture and Supporting Farmers
Agriculture is also a central focus of the budget. With $425 million allocated to the Environmental Protection Fund, Governor Hochul’s plan includes:
- $90 million dedicated to sustainable farming practices and farmland preservation.
- $10 million for Dairy Modernization Grants.
- $20 million to improve farmworker housing, with flexible loans to support living conditions for farm workers.
- $5 million to expand meat processing capacity across the state.
“These investments will strengthen the agricultural sector, which is critical to our state’s economy,” Hochul stated. “We’re ensuring that farmers remain the backbone of our economic sector.”
Revitalizing Outdoor Access and Public Infrastructure
The budget also includes $200 million for recreational programs designed to encourage outdoor activities, such as:
- NYSWIMS (new pools and renovations),
- NYBRICKS (community center investments),
- NYPLAYS (improvements to playgrounds).
Additionally, more than $200 million will be invested in upgrading state parks and other public venues, including $35 million for improvements to the New York State Fairgrounds and Expo Center, which will support agricultural shows, concerts, and festivals.
Focus on Environmental Restoration
In addition to these initiatives, the FY26 budget sets aside $1.25 billion for hazardous waste cleanups through a reauthorized Superfund program, with a focus on disadvantaged communities. Meanwhile, $500 million will go towards clean water infrastructure, addressing aging water systems, lead line replacements, and enhancing water quality.
A Vision for a Resilient Future
Governor Hochul’s bold budget proposal emphasizes the dual objectives of sustainable growth and environmental stewardship, ensuring that New Yorkers will benefit from cleaner energy, better infrastructure, and stronger agricultural resilience. The investments aim to build a future where both the state’s economy and natural resources thrive together.
“Here in New York, we take pride in our state’s plentiful and varied natural resources,” Hochul concluded. “This budget ensures we protect them while opening doors to healthier lifestyles and long-term resilience.”
With this historic budget, New York is taking significant steps to address climate change, enhance public infrastructure, and safeguard the future of its agricultural industries.
