Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation under the FY2026 Enacted Budget, delivering a landmark $1 billion investment to accelerate New York’s transition toward a greener, more sustainable future. The funding package includes transformative measures targeting climate resilience, clean energy, environmental conservation, and sustainable agriculture across the state.
The centrepiece of the budget is the Sustainable Future Program, the largest climate investment in New York’s history. More than $450 million is earmarked to cut building emissions through clean heating technologies and energy-efficient retrofits. A further $250 million will support the electrification of school buses and charging infrastructure, while $200 million will be directed toward expanding renewable energy capacity and modernising grid infrastructure. Over $200 million will also fund thermal energy network development at public institutions, including SUNY and CUNY campuses.
Governor Hochul highlighted the state’s natural assets and underscored the need to protect them. “We have secured a record $1 billion to build a greener, more sustainable New York as well as key investments to construct more playgrounds, swimming pools, and community centres that provide greater access to outdoor recreation,” she said.
In addition to environmental upgrades, the budget bolsters community recreation infrastructure through over $200 million in support of programs such as NYSWIMS (public pool expansion), NYBRICKS (community centre development), and NYPLAYS (playground renovations). These initiatives fall under the broader “Unplug & Play” campaign, which promotes public health and outdoor activity.
The state park system will benefit from an additional $200 million, with funds aimed at enhancing flagship parks and supporting critical infrastructure projects. The State Fairgrounds will receive $35 million for capital improvements to support year-round community events.
To address environmental remediation, the budget reauthorises the Hazardous Waste Superfund, committing $1.25 billion over ten years to clean up contaminated sites, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Complementing this, the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) is maintained at $425 million to support land conservation, water quality improvement, climate adaptation, and recycling efforts.
A separate allocation of $500 million for clean water infrastructure will address aging systems, lead pipe replacement, and waterway restoration, reinforcing the state’s commitment to safe, clean drinking water.
In the agricultural sector, the budget directs over $90 million from the EPF toward climate-resilient farming practices, farmland protection, and environmental stewardship. It also increases funding for the Farmworker Housing Program to $20 million and enhances loan flexibility to improve living conditions for essential agricultural workers.
New York’s dairy industry, which accounts for half the state’s agricultural output, will receive targeted support, including $10 million for the Dairy Modernization Grant Program and new funding for climate-smart research and infrastructure on dairy farms.
Additional initiatives include expanding meat processing capacity, launching a small-scale food and fibre processing grant programme, and doubling the Companion Animal Capital Fund to $10 million. The budget also commits $250,000 to the 4-H Program to enhance youth education and development in agriculture and environmental stewardship.
With this wide-ranging fiscal plan, New York is reinforcing its position as a national leader in environmental sustainability, equitable development, and green economic growth.
