All New York state residents are confronted with costs of living that are unaffordable. Increases in monthly grocery and insurance (medical, auto and home) bills are painfully high, but the energy bills are breathtaking. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent executive budget provides no energy relief either now or in the future. Despite state legislation to promote solar and other green energy alternatives, the governor has not fully activated the robust Protect Climate Law, which would lower costs and climate-damaging impacts on humans, plants and animals. 

Instead, she has approved a gas pipeline and a fossil fuel-powered Bitcoin-mining facility, while her budget has ignored appropriations for this year’s Sustainable Future Fund. This fund is an investment in solar and other green energy, union jobs, a healthier environment and relief from the monthly shock of energy bills.

With a U.S. President focused on self-enrichment from oil and crypto “deals” and offended by climate science, we must count on Gov. Hochul and ourselves, the residents of New York, to fight for a safer, healthier, more affordable life in our state and on our planet. 

Lyn DelliQuadri
Kingston, NY