Our region has committed to hit ambitious climate targets that approach or achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century. This requires an aggressive shift away from the status quo, and we must ensure that we address the climate crisis in ways that don’t trigger other crises of equity, affordability or economic decline. RPA is advocating for policies and investments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, advancing fair and effective decarbonization strategies for buildings, ensuring investments in port facilities and interstate collaboration to catalyze a thriving, regional offshore wind development hub and clarifying options in the face of near-term energy decisions.

Careful thinking about adaptation and resilience must be an integral component of every decision, from land use and transportation to how and where we build housing.”

Robert Freudenberg

Vice President, Energy & Environment

read the testimony view full bio

Event Highlight

New York's Newest Green Energy Projects

RPA hosted the first public panel about two just-announced renewable energy projects featuring the teams executing the projects and a group of energy experts. Champlain Hudson Power Express and Clean Path NY are projected to power 2.5 million New York homes by 2030.

Speakers

Dale Bryk: Regional Plan Association
Luke Falk: energyRe
Doreen Harris: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Don Jessome: Transmission Developers Inc.
Anne Reynolds: Alliance for Clean Energy New York
Shashank Sane: Invenergy Transmission
Gary Sutherland: Hydro-Québec
Phil Toia: New York Power Authority

watch the recording

Research

The Five Borough Bikeway

Critical infrastructure connecting New York City

When climate change threatens our communities, congestion and air pollution chokes streets and residents, the Five Borough Bikeway is the right solution to these multifaceted challenges. Securing a carbon-free future requires that we change our infrastructure so that biking can become as accessible and common tomorrow as driving is today.

Adding Value

Open Space Conservation in the Mid-Hudson Valley

The forests, farmlands, and wetlands in the Mid-Hudson Valley are critical environmental and economic resources for the entire region. Yet the burden of protecting these lands is disproportionately borne by local communities, a tension which undermines efforts to preserve them.

Action

Climate Change Center on Governors Island

RPA cautions against overly-prescriptive rules for the rezoning of Governors Island, which may end up discouraging the kind of research a climate change center would need to perform on the island.

Restore Mother Nature Bond Act

RPA Vice President for Energy & Environment Robert Freudenberg offered a statement on the delay of New York’s $3 billion bond to fund green infrastructure projects.

The Nation's First Purpose-Built Wind Port

RPA praised Governor Phil Murphy’s administration for announcing that New Jersey would become home to the nation’s first port for the construction of offshore wind infrastructure.

learn more

Meadowlands Master Plan

RPA urged the New Jersey Sports and Exhibition Authority to integrate adaptation and resilience more thoroughly into its master plan for the Meadowlands.

learn more

RPA Lab

14 Infrastructure Weeks: Assessing Biden’s First 100 Days

The Biden Administration advanced key projects and sparked constructive debate about infrastructure during its first 100 days.

Metro Area Residents Support Dramatic Action to Address Climate Change

Residents are deeply concerned about climate change and support dramatic measures to do something about it.

Infrastructure Priorities for Biden's First 100 Days

RPA compiled a list of projects and regulatory actions we recommend the Biden administration prioritize immediately.

Green Infrastructure, Public Transit, and Housing for All: RPA's Agenda for New Jersey

Our Senior Vice President Kate Slevin’s comments during a June 17 panel hosted by the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center offer an outline of RPA’s agenda in the Garden State.

Developing Dual Solutions for Transportation and Climate Change

The Transportation Climate Initiative would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and raise revenues for badly needed transportation investments in New Jersey.

Events

From the Fourth Plan

Create a Greener Energy System, with More Capacity

RPA’s Fourth Regional Plan offers four recommendations to create a greener energy system, including scaling up renewables and managing demand with energy efficient buildings.

learn more

From the Archive

1973

Regional Energy Consumption

Amidst the national oil crisis in 1973, RPA evaluated energy consumption trends and energy conservation opportunities in the New York metropolitan region.

Building a Decarbonized Economy

Event Highlight

New York's Newest Green Energy Projects

Speakers

Research

The Five Borough Bikeway

Adding Value

Action

RPA Lab

14 Infrastructure Weeks: Assessing Biden’s First 100 Days

Metro Area Residents Support Dramatic Action to Address Climate Change

Infrastructure Priorities for Biden's First 100 Days

Green Infrastructure, Public Transit, and Housing for All: RPA's Agenda for New Jersey

Developing Dual Solutions for Transportation and Climate Change

Events

From the Fourth Plan

From the Archive

1973

Regional Energy Consumption

Research Areas

Location

Building a Decarbonized Economy

Related News

Event Highlight

New York's Newest Green Energy Projects

Speakers

Research

The Five Borough Bikeway

Adding Value

Action

RPA Lab

14 Infrastructure Weeks: Assessing Biden’s First 100 Days

Metro Area Residents Support Dramatic Action to Address Climate Change

Infrastructure Priorities for Biden's First 100 Days

Green Infrastructure, Public Transit, and Housing for All: RPA's Agenda for New Jersey

Developing Dual Solutions for Transportation and Climate Change

Events

From the Fourth Plan

From the Archive

1973

Regional Energy Consumption

Research Areas

Location