Regional Plan Association is pleased Governor Hochul and state leaders finalized a New York State budget that takes meaningful steps to address the state’s housing and infrastructure challenges, and we urge them to advance clean energy policies and investments that will lower energy bills and reduce price volatility at a critical moment for New York’s future.

The inclusion of SEQRA reform is a major step toward making it easier to build the housing and infrastructure New Yorkers urgently need. For too long, outdated environmental review processes and fragmented planning systems have delayed critical projects, worsened the housing shortage, and increased costs. These ​“Let Them Build” reforms will help modernize the state’s approach to growth while streamlining development. Together with the authorization of a pied-à-terre tax in New York City, these measures reflect a broader effort to modernize how New York supports growth while ensuring some of the city’s highest-value properties contribute more equitably to the public services and infrastructure that sustain our economy and quality of life.

We also applaud the dedicated funding of vital transit investments into the IBX, Second Ave Subway, Metro-North and Jamaica Station as well as the inclusion of the ​‘Super Speeders’ bill. RPA has been calling for such measures for years to rein in reckless drivers who put other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike in danger.

Changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, however, are extremely disappointing. While retaining its core structure and committing to investments in near-term clean energy infrastructure, state leaders weakened the law while missing an opportunity to speed the transition to more affordable, reliable, and clean energy sources. Looking ahead, the Governor and legislature must commit to significant, sustained investments in clean energy solutions that are less polluting, protect New Yorkers from painful price spikes, boost economic development, and set our state on the path to true energy independence.

RPA looks forward to continuing to work with state leaders, advocates, and local communities to help turn all these policies into tangible progress for New Yorkers across the state.