Rochester leaders demand state action on climate funding and Cap-and-Invest rollout
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.