Waves crash along the shore of Patchogue as Tropical Storm...

Waves crash along the shore of Patchogue as Tropical Storm Isaias moved across Long Island on Aug. 4, 2020. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost

ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday proposed new measures to make areas such as Long Island more resilient against severe storms amped up by global warming as part of a $1 billion effort to expand and accelerate the state's efforts to stem climate change.

Hochul proposes to strengthen the power grid, expand flood mitigation programs and use updated building codes to protect homes and natural resources from severe storms, all to better withstand rising sea levels and extreme weather, according to a document released by the Hochul administration Tuesday. It is part of her plan to accelerate the state's climate change effort which also aims to reduce carbon emissions.

"We’ve recommitted to reducing carbon emissions with offshore wind off the coast of Long Island and hydroelectric power coming in from Quebec to power New York City," Hochul said. "And this year I’m calling for a historic $1 billion investment to further the transition to a zero-emission economy."

That proposal includes retrofitting homes and using tax incentives to increase the use of heat pumps and "building out thermal energy networks" at public college campuses. The proposal also would expand use of zero-emission vehicles and support businesses that end reliance on carbon-based fuels. The program would create a "cap-and-invest program" to push businesses to reduce emissions, but no details were released.

Hochul said the impact and cost of global warming is evident in the Southern California wildfires, but also in New York State.

"In the last few years we’ve experienced record heat, droughts, floods, tornadoes, blizzards and hurricanes," she said. "That’s a lot ... My fight for your family also means preventing these catastrophes from becoming our new normal. For we are truly the first generation to truly experience the effects of climate change, and we are the last generation who can do anything about it."

The proposals were part of Hochul’s State of the State address Tuesday in Albany. Details of how much Hochul proposes to spend for the effort likely won’t be released until she presents her state budget proposal to the State Legislature on Jan. 21.

She faces criticism about the costs that businesses and other taxpayers could face. In December, Hochul signed the Climate Change Superfund Act into law that would force the biggest polluters of fossil-fuel emissions to pay for resiliency efforts now paid by state and locals taxpayers. That measure is expected to face a court challenge by oil and gas companies.

"The business community, particularly our small employers across the state and consumers, need relief from policies that increase the costs of doing business and living in New York," said Heather Mulligan, president of the state Business Council. "We are hopeful the governor and Legislature understand that message."

The influential lobbying group is not alone.

"Democrats’ climate goals will require billions of dollars and raise utility prices on every family." said Assembly Republican leader Will Barclay, of Pulaski. "We cannot continue on this unsustainable financial path. Hopefully, the governor will address these concerns in her Executive Budget address next week."

Provisions of Hochul's resiliency proposal include:

  • A new grant program to help create "nature-based solutions" to protect coastlines from extreme storms and surges in sea level. Hochul also proposes more funding to address flood risks to create more resilient waterfronts.
  • Expanding and strengthening programs that New Yorkers can tap to help pay for repairs as well as long-term measures to protect against future storms. Hochul proposes to increase funding as well as expand it to help pay for shatterproof glass, storm shutters and other measures.
  • Expanding the Jobs Retention Tax Credit to include smaller businesses with as few as 10 employees. Hochul also would end the restriction of the tax credit to specific industries.
  • Continuing a $60 million grant program from 2024 to help communities deal with stormwater management from severe storms. The grants would prioritize projects at "significant risk," such as making pavement less porous and strengthening stormwater retention systems.
FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.  Credit: Newsday/File Footage; Photo Credit: AP Photo/Steven Day, Bebeto Matthews; Getty Images

'A different situation at every airport' FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.  Credit: Newsday/File Footage; Photo Credit: AP Photo/Steven Day, Bebeto Matthews; Getty Images

'A different situation at every airport' FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

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