Climate Change Mitigation
Up to $1.5 Billion to Reduce Air Pollution and Fight Climate Change
Funding will support green infrastructure and renewable energy improvements to buildings statewide. Additional provisions provide relief from urban heat, and funding for communities to replace trees lost over the past 60 years.
- Not Less Than $400 million for Green Building projects to increase energy efficiency or site renewables at state-owned buildings and public schools
- Not Less Than $500 million for zero emission school buses and infrastructure
- Not Less Than $100 million to support climate adaptation and mitigation projects
- Not Less Than $200 million for projects to reduce or eliminate air and water pollution in disadvantaged communities
- $300 million for other projects to combat climate change including:
- Urban forestry
- Urban heat projects: green roofs, community gardens, cool pavement projects, and reflective roofs where green roofs are not possible
- Projects that utilize natural and working lands to sequester carbon and mitigate methane emissions
On August 2, 2023, the New York State Energy Research Development Agency (NYSERDA) published the Draft Eligibility Guidelines in the Environmental Notice Bulletin for a 30-day public comment period, which closed at 5:00 p.m. September 1, 2023. NYSERDA received 29 comments which are summarized below, along with NYSERDA’s responses.
Restoration & Flood Risk Reduction
Not Less Than $1.1 Billion to Protect Communities from Flood Risks
Funding will advance shoreline resiliency projects and support efforts to remove or repair aging dams and to restore fish habitats.
- Not More Than $250 million for voluntary private property buyouts
- Not Less Than $100 million to support coastal rehabilitation and shoreline restoration
- Not Less Than $100 million for local waterfront revitalization projects and projects which address inland flooding
- $650 million for other projects including:
- Flood risk reduction projects, such as moving, lifting, or raising flood-prone infrastructure or structures; relocation, repair, or raising flood-prone roads; removal, alteration, or right-sizing dams, bridges, and culverts.
- Restoration projects, such as floodplain, wetland, and stream restoration; forest conservation; endangered and threatened species projects; or land acquisition
Water Quality Improvement & Resilient Infrastructure
Not Less Than $650 Million to Safeguard Drinking Water Sources and Reduce Water Pollution
The Bond Act will upgrade wastewater infrastructure and replace failing septic systems. It will also fund much-needed improvements for New York’s roads, culverts, sewers, and drinking water infrastructure across the State, and support critical upgrades to water and sewer lines and replace lead pipes.
- Not Less Than $200 million for water improvement and infrastructure projects
- Not Less Than $250 million to support municipal storm-water grants
- Not Less Than $200 million to support other programs such as:
- Green infrastructure
- Projects to reduce agricultural nutrient run off and promote soil health
- Projects to reduce the frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs)
- Lead service line replacement
On March 15, 2023, the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) published Draft Eligibility Guidelines for Water Quality Improvement and Resilient Infrastructure Projects in the Environmental Notice Bulletin for a 30-day public comment period. This document contains the 10 comments, summarized, along with EFC's responses.
Open Space Land Conservation & Recreation
Up to $650 Million to Improve Access to and Protect Nature
Bond Act funding will help preserve more lands and grow opportunities for recreation across the State.
- Not More Than $75 million for fish hatcheries
- Not Less Than $150 million to farmland protections and easements
- Not Less Than $300 million for open space land conservation projects
- $125 million for other projects including:
- Recreational infrastructure projects, including build-out of State and municipal parks, fish hatcheries, campgrounds, etc.
Additional Funding
$300 million is also allocated to be used across any of the above categories.