Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

September 29, 2023

What’s Inside

  • Governor Holds Cabinet Meeting in Albany
  • Governor Appoints Chief Information Officer
  • Governor Announces Acceleration of Clean Energy Financing
  • Governor Announces Available Funding for Zero-Emission School Buses
  • DEC Releases Draft Policy for Evaluating and Averting Disproportionate Impacts of Permitting Actions on Disadvantaged Communities
  • Political Updates
  • Coming Up

Governor Holds Cabinet Meeting in Albany

This week, in Albany, Governor Hochul held a cabinet meeting. During the meeting, Governor Hochul spoke with members of her administration about the asylum seeker crisis, the potential federal government shutdown, and other pressing issues surrounding New York State in the short and long-term. Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President Tom Perez also joined the meeting to discuss Washington’s support for New York as the state continues to respond to the asylum seeker crisis.

Following the meeting, the Governor held a media availability with members of the Legislative Correspondence Association (LCA) in the Red Room at the State Capitol, during which she announced that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas granted a request for an emergency conference in a case trying to dismantle New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act. The Governor reassured New Yorkers that she would monitor this and continue working to fight these challenges.

The Governor’s full media availability can be viewed here. The written transcript can be read here.

Governor Appoints Chief Information Officer

Governor Hochul has appointed Dru Rai as New York State’s Chief Information Officer and Director of the New York State Office of Information Technology Services. Dru will lead the state’s ongoing digital transformation and will work with state agencies to create more seamless digital interactions with state government.

Most recently, Dru served as Digital and Information Officer of Quaker Houghton Company. He previously served as Global CIO for the Ball Corporation, DuPont Coatings and GE Advanced Material (a Division of GE) and began his career at Ernst & Young. More information can be found here.

Governor Hochul said:

New York has always been a national leader in developing cutting edge IT products and services that improve the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers. Under Dru Rai’s direction, we will continue to innovate and grow to meet both the challenges and opportunities of this new digital age. Since the pandemic, our state has moved swiftly to develop new applications, new processes and a new way of thinking that seeks to meet New Yorkers where they are and where they will be. It is exciting to welcome someone of Dru’s caliber to this important role.

Governor Announces Acceleration of Clean Energy Financing

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to facilitate clean energy financing for large-scale renewable projects. The MOU will allow New York State to leverage the DOE Loan Programs Office and strengthen the cooperation between Federal and State energy departments.

Within the bounds of this new partnership, NYSERDA and DOE have defined a process to facilitate the review of applications from utility scale solar, onshore, and offshore wind clean energy projects applying for financing through the LPO. This would include projects already under contract with NYSERDA, as well as those that will contract with NYSERDA in the future.

Under the Title 17 Loan Guarantee Program, LPO may, subject to obtaining required credit approvals, provide financing to eligible projects for up to 80 percent of eligible project costs, with a tenor dependent on project needs and expected asset life, and in any event, not exceeding 30 years.

There are four project categories within the Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program:

  • Innovative Energy: Financing for projects that deploy New or Significantly Improved Technologythat is technically proven but not yet widely commercialized in the United States.
  • Innovative Supply Chain: Financing for projects that employ a New or Significantly Improved Technology in the manufacturing process for a qualifying clean energy technology or for projects that manufacture a New or Significantly Improved Technology.
  • State Energy Financing Institution (SEFI)-Supported: Financing for projectsthat support deployment of qualifying clean energy technology and receive meaningful financial support or credit enhancements from an entity within a state agency or financing authority.
  • Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment (EIR): Financing for projects that retool, repower, repurpose, or replace energy infrastructure that has ceased operations or upgrade operating energy infrastructure to avoid, reduce, utilize, or sequester air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions.

Governor Hochul said:

To ensure New York achieves a zero-emissions grid, the financing process for clean energy projects must be streamlined. This new partnership between New York State and the U.S. Department of Energy illustrates a shared belief among New York and Federal leaders that time is of the essence. We must pave a clear path forward for clean energy.

NYSERDA President and CEO, Doreen Harris said:

This partnership highlights the power of federal and state collaboration as we work toward achieving key climate goals. Together, DOE and NYSERDA are charting a viable pathway for federal programs to help reduce overall costs for New York’s ratepayers in deploying these clean energy projects.

Governor Announces Available Funding for Zero-Emission School Buses

Yesterday, Governor Hochul announced $100 million will be made available on a statewide basis for zero-emission school buses in the first round of funding for these buses under the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. In utilizing this funding, school districts and bus operators statewide will be able to phase out fossil fuel buses, curb emissions, and make zero-emission buses more affordable.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has also released the program rules, launching the pre-application process through which bus manufacturers and dealers can apply to qualify for the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP). The program rules will guide the total Bond Act allotment of $500 million for zero-emission school buses and infrastructure. The application process to receive funding will open on Wednesday, November 29. To provide more information about the NYSBIP goals, guidelines, process, and timelines, NYSERDA will host a webinar on October 11, 2023, at 12 p.m., where you can register here.

Governor Hochul said:

The commitment of public funds and guidance released today puts New York State schools and bus operators on a trajectory to embrace clean transportation and the benefits that it will bring. Zero-emission buses will become a hallmark, not only transporting students through our communities, but also demonstrating the promise and possibility of a healthier, environmentally friendly, low-carbon future for our youngest citizens.

DEC Releases Draft Policy for Evaluating and Averting Disproportionate Impacts of Permitting Actions on Disadvantaged Communities

Commissioner Basil Seggos of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the release of a new draft policy to implement environmental justice provisions of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The proposed Division of Environmental Permits Policy “Permitting and Disadvantaged Communities (DEP-23-1)” is available for public comment until November 27, and provides guidance in DEC’s permitting processes for considering impacts and existing burdens on New York’s most vulnerable communities.

New York State also completed the creation of the New York’s Disadvantaged Communities Barriers and Opportunities Report to identify the barriers faced by disadvantaged communities and recommended actions for state agencies to design climate mitigation, adaptation, and clean energy programs with a focus on climate justice.

More information on the newly released draft policy can be found here.

Commissioner Seggos said:

New York State is putting the historic Climate Act into action and the draft policy released today is the latest step in preventing the exacerbation of existing pollution burdens on communities already shouldering significant and harmful climate impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. I encourage New Yorkers to review and comment on the draft policy, which will help advance climate justice by creating a more equitable foundation for building stronger, healthier communities across the state.

In The News

City & State NY’s 2023 Power of Diversity: Latino 100 100.

Advocates, officials push for adoption of LLC Transparency Act.

State Senator Krueger, cannabis coalition exchange barbs over New York’s slow rollout.

Adams and Hochul hack tax break impasse to spur new housing.

Higher workers’ comp minimum to take effect next year.

Hochul to New York business leaders: employ asylum seekers.

Mark Poloncarz says this will be his final time running for Erie County executive.

These energy credits could help buildings buy their way to Local Law 97 compliance.

Fiscal policy experts disagree on budget request spending freeze.

Hochul implores Congress to avoid government shutdown.

Report: Aging population growing rapidly across upstate New York.

Jobs, housing, food stores are elusive in many rural counties.

New York comptroller discusses potential government shutdown impact, state’s budget woes.

DEC chief ‘optimistic’ about environmental spending amid budget concerns.

The state’s cannabis market is headed for big changes. What’s next?

26 New York State Senators endorse colleague John Mannion for Congress in NY-22.

State readies more funds for offshore wind development.

Unusual coalition urges Hochul to sign ‘LLC Transparency Act’.

Supreme Court Justice Thomas to consider challenge to New York ammunition background law.

Could IDA incentives help ease the housing shortage crisis?

Taylor Darling announces state Senate bid.

Former Oswego County legislator to run for CNY state Senate seat.

Commentary: Corporate interests are trying to distort intent of cannabis law.

Coming Up

The Senate will hold a public hearing to discuss retention and recruitment for civil service jobs in New York State, the New York State pension fund, pensions, and civil service benefits on October 11.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing to explore innovative ways colleges and universities can partner with school districts to offer students unique academic and career opportunities.

The Senate will hold a second public hearing to discuss retention and recruitment for civil service jobs in New York State, the New York State pension fund, pensions, and civil service benefits on October 17.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing  to discuss the impact and effectiveness of economic development programs funded in the enacted 2023-24 State Budget.