Legislative Alert: February 20, 2026
President's Message: Support $1 Billion for the Sustainable Future Fund
The New York State AFL-CIO strongly supports the continuation and expansion of the Sustainable Future Fund, and we urge the Governor and Legislature to continue this vital program.
Last year, $1 billion was invested in New York’s energy future through the Sustainable Future Fund. This included $200 million for Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) at various SUNY and CUNY campuses, and the remaining funding for school decarbonization, clean transportation, and renewable energy development, including Mitchell Lama housing. The State should continue the program by approving an additional $1 billion with a similar allocation.
The projects funded by the Sustainable Future Fund create thousands of good-paying union jobs in construction and utilities, as well as in ongoing operations, maintenance, and manufacturing. These projects not only strengthen New York’s energy independence, they also ensure workforce stability.
The Sustainable Future Fund is also necessary to help meet the emissions reduction goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). These investments help improve air quality, diversify sources of energy, lower energy costs, accelerate decarbonization, and offset the abandonment of renewable energy generation by the federal government. Commitment to the Sustainable Future Fund will also improve the health, safety, and environment of the schools, colleges, and other entities that will benefit from the projects.
Continued investment in the Sustainable Future Fund is essential for meeting our climate goals, protecting public health, and supporting our economy through the creation of union jobs.
Mario Cilento, President
Upcoming Meeting
LABOR LOBBYISTS MEETING
Monday, March 09, 2026, 1 p.m.
This meeting will be located at the Albany office of the NYS AFL-CIO,
100 South Swan St. Albany, NY.
This meeting is for labor representatives only.
Please RSVP to Nagma Singh at [email protected]