In the News-New York State
Governor Hochul Announces Nation’s Largest-Ever State Investment in Renewable Energy is Moving Forward
Governor Kathy Hochul this week announced the conditional awards of three offshore wind and 22 land-based renewable energy projects which are expected to produce 6.4 gigawatts of clean energy when completed, approximately 12 percent of New York’s electricity needs.
When coupled with two offshore wind blade and nacelle manufacturing facilities, these projects are expected to create approximately 8,300 jobs and spur $20 billion in economic development investments statewide. The awards are conditional on successful contract execution.
According to the Governor, when the awards are finalized, New York will have enough operating, contracted, and under development renewable energy projects to supply 79 percent of the state’s 2030 electricity needs with renewable energy.
Once in service, the awarded offshore wind and land-based renewable energy projects will produce approximately 19 million megawatt-hours of new renewable energy per year, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9.4 million metric tons annually, and provide over $3.5 billion in commitments to disadvantaged communities.
“Today’s announcement is clearly indicative of Governor Hochul’s intent to move forward with a thriving offshore wind industry,” IBEW Local Union #3 Business Manager Christopher Erikson said. This commitment includes labor protections for working men and women, the guaranteeing of good wages, the inclusion of PLA’s and workforce development for both the construction trades and supply chain employers. This is good for New Yorkers, our employers, our environment, and the health of generations to come.”
Governor Hochul explained that upon full execution, the contracts will include commitments to purchase certain minimum amounts of U.S. iron and steel and prevailing wage provisions for all laborers, workers, and mechanics performing construction activities.
In addition, offshore wind project developers will be required to negotiate Project Labor Agreements among their construction contractors and a building and construction trade labor organization representing craft workers for the construction of the new renewable energy generation resources.
The three new offshore wind projects selected by NYSERDA total 4,032 megawatts (MW) of clean energy. Additionally, the awarded projects will bring more than $15 billion in anticipated in-state spending and create more than 4,200 jobs across Long Island, New York City, and the Capital Region over the 25-year lifespan of the projects.
The three offshore wind projects include:
- Attentive Energy One (1,404 MW) developed by TotalEnergies, Rise Light & Power and Corio Generation. The project includes a novel fossil repurposing plan in Queens, which seeks to retire fossil fuel power generation in the heart of New York City and transition the current workforce to clean energy jobs.
- Community Offshore Wind (1,314 MW) developed by RWE Offshore Renewables and National Grid Ventures. The project includes utilization of new grid interconnection being developed by Con Edison in downtown Brooklyn, made possible by the Public Service Commission Order Approving Cost Recovery for Clean Energy Hub to maximize delivery of clean electricity into New York City.
- Excelsior Wind (1,314 MW) developed by Vineyard Offshore (Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners). The project includes proposed cable route options providing robust energy deliverability to Long Island, leveraging the electric grid expansion provided through the Long Island Public Policy Transmission Need outcome.
NYSERDA is also awarding $300 million in state investment to enable the development of two supply chain facilities including nacelle manufacturing and assembly by GE Vernova, along with blade manufacturing developed by LM Wind Power Blades USA, both planned for New York’s Capital Region.
“We applaud Governor Hochul and New York State for the historic investments in the renewable energy sector announced today,” New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Vincent Alvarez said. “The commitments the state has already made regarding labor standards combined with these new investments will help accelerate New York’s successful and just transition to a clean energy economy while encouraging the development of good, family-sustaining union jobs. We look forward to working with the state and NYSERDA in ensuring that workers’ voices continue to be heard as we develop the entire renewable energy sector.”
Chapters of the Laws of 2023
Chapter 534 – Sponsored by AM Lucas/Senator Chu – Increases the bonding authority of the New York City Housing Development Corporation by increasing the maximum aggregate principal amount of its outstanding notes and bonds from $18 billion to $19 billion.
Chapter 535 – Sponsored by AM L. Rosenthal/Senator Kavanagh – Enacts the “housing affordability, resiliency, and energy efficiency investment act of 2023,” modernizing existing financing programs that support construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of affordable housing.
Chapter 536 – Sponsored by AM Braunstein/Senator Kavanagh – Authorizes a tax abatement for alterations and improvements to multiple dwellings for purposes of preserving habitability in affordable housing; replaces the J-51 Program, with the new Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Program.
Chapter 551 – Sponsored by AM Lavine/Senator Salazar – Prohibits corporal punishment in schools.
Chapter 559 – Sponsored by AM Lavine/Senator Hoylman-Sigal – Allows an affirmation by any person, wherever made, in a civil action; allows any person to submit an affirmation under penalty of perjury in lieu of an affidavit.
Chapter 570 – Sponsored by AM Epstein/Senator Krueger – Requires a plaintiff to file an action seeking to recover a student debt, owed to the state of New York, in the county of the defendant’s residence.
Chapter 572 – Sponsored by AM Jean-Pierre/Senator Bailey – Gives the Department of State greater discretion in disciplining a real estate broker or salesman that violates provisions of the state Human Rights Law.
Chapter 574 – Sponsored by AM Bichotte/Senator Comrie – Increases the statutory cap on annual revenues for firms in MTA’s Small Business Mentor Program from $5 million to $10 million and increases the cap on awards from $1 million to $1.5 million for Tier 1 contracts and $3 million to $5 million for Tier 2 contracts.
Chapter 580 – Sponsored by AM Hevesi/Senator Brisport – Relates to kinship guardianship of children whose parental rights were surrendered or terminated; adds a child surrendered from foster care under Social Services Law § 383-c to the definition of a child who would be eligible for inclusion in the kinship guardianship assistance program.
Chapter 602 – Sponsored by AM Weprin/Senator Sanders – Expands the City of New York’s ability to use owner-controlled and contractor-controlled or “wrap-up” insurance.
Chapter 604 – Sponsored by AM Bichotte/Senator Comrie – Allows New York City agencies to create two-tiered small business construction mentoring programs and to designate construction contracts with an estimated amount not greater than $1.5 million for tier one and an estimated amount not greater than $5 million for tier two.
In the News-New York City
Mayor Announces Tentative Agreement with Sanitation Workers
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Commissioner Renee Campion today announced a tentative contract agreement with the Uniformed Sanitation Workers’ Union Local 831 that provides wage increases and new benefits to the men and women tasked with keeping the city’s streets clean. The agreement must be ratified by the union’s membership.
With this agreement, the Adams Administration has now reached agreements with all of the City’s uniformed workforce and 90 percent of the unionized workforce.
The five-year, two-month tentative agreement — which would cover approximately 7,100 New York City sanitation workers — is retroactive, beginning on December 28, 2022, and expires on February 27, 2028. It provides pattern-conforming wage increases between 3.25 and 4.00 percent. Additionally, today’s agreement offers dedicated funding to improve the early steps of the salary schedule, helping to bring starting pay up to $50,000 by the end of the contract term. Further, workers will be entitled to a new paid parental leave benefit for non-birth parents of one week of parental leave at full pay.
The tentative agreement also includes an update to the measurement of workforce efficiency around waste collection. Previously, the city’s contract with Local 831 included separate targets for refuse and for recyclables. The new contract sets a single “all materials” target.
“New York’s Strongest have always been heroes, but in the last three years, they have stepped up more than ever on behalf of our city, taking on new responsibilities in every corner of the five boroughs and returning the dignity of clean streets to our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration, thanks to the hard work of our sanitation workers, is restoring New York City to its rightful place as the cleanest big city in America. I want to congratulate every sanitation worker on this agreement, as well as thank my friend, Harry Nespoli, and my team, led by Commissioner Campion and Commissioner Tisch, for their leadership.”
The total cost of the agreement is approximately $400 million through Fiscal Year 2027. It is fully funded in the Labor Reserve. Members will receive the following compounded wage increases upon ratification:
- December 28, 2022: 3.25 percent
- December 28, 2023: 3.25 percent
- December 28, 2024: 3.50 percent
- December 28, 2025: 3.50 percent
- December 28, 2026: 4.00 percent
“With this contract, we have shown once again how this union works collaboratively with this agency to benefit the residents of New York City while providing justified compensation and benefits for the workforce,” said Harry Nespoli, president, Uniformed Sanitation Workers’ Union Local 831. “I commend Mayor Adams for recognizing the contributions of our members and Commissioner Tisch for her innovative approach to improving the life of all New Yorkers.”
Mayor Adams Signs Bill Paving Way for Electrification of All City Government Vehicles
New York City Mayor Eric Adams this week signed Intro. 279-A, formally codifying the city’s goal of transitioning its automobile fleet to all zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) by 2038.
Sponsored by New York City Council Majority Leader Keith Powers, Intro 279-A requires all light- and medium-duty vehicles procured by the city after July 1, 2025, to be zero-emission vehicles, and it requires all light- and medium-duty vehicles in the city’s fleet to be zero-emission vehicles by July 1, 2035, with certain exceptions. It also requires all heavy-duty vehicles procured by the city after July 1, 2028, to be zero-emission vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles in the city’s fleet to be zero-emission vehicles by July 1, 2035, with certain exceptions. Further, it requires that all motorcycles in the city’s fleet be zero-emission vehicles by July 1, 2035.
Additionally, Mayor Adams and New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock announced an agreement that will bring four solar carports to New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) public housing parking lots throughout the city. The agreement also includes the introduction of electric vehicle car-sharing for NYCHA staff through an online reservation system.
According to the Mayor, the addition of green energy infrastructure reflects the city’s commitment to resiliency and preparation for the full electrification of the city fleet by 2035. The new solar carports were installed this summer located at:
- Bronx: Sotomayor Houses, 1090 Rosedale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472
- Brooklyn: Cypress Hills Houses, 1260 Sutter Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208
- Manhattan: Lexington Houses, 1773 Third Avenue New York, NY 10029
- Queens: Ravenswood Houses, 35-35 21st Street, Astoria, NY 11106
“By working with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and partnering with NYCHA, the city has developed a plan that’s a win-win for all: a renewable energy source that helps reduce emissions,” said Gregory Floyd, president, Teamsters Local 237; and vice president at-large, General Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. “Electric vehicle charging stations located in NYCHA parking lots and an electric vehicle sharing program for NYCHA staff are much needed improvements. I congratulate Mayor Adams for signing into law Intro 279-A and Councilmember Keith Powers for sponsoring this important initiative for their forward thinking and innovative legislation that offers so many New Yorkers access to cutting edge technology.”
Comptroller DiNapoli: New York City Continues to Rebound and Regain Share of State Economic Activity
Economic indicators show New York City’s economy is recovering from the depths of the pandemic, with the City accounting for three-fifths of the State’s total wages and its sales tax collections rising to 43% of total statewide collections, nearing pre-pandemic levels, according to a report released by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. Even with these and other positive developments, more people and jobs need to return to the city to fuel economic growth for the City and the State.
“New York City is a key driver of the state’s economic strength,” Comptroller DiNapoli said. “When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it brought much of the city’s economic activity to a standstill. While the city’s economy has rebounded in many ways, some important indicators show there is more work to be done to bring people back to the five boroughs, improve affordability for working- and middle-class families, and fuel economic activity.”
The Comptroller’s analysis shows that in many areas New York City has returned to, and in some cases exceeded, pre-pandemic levels. However, some individual and household-level indicators show increased financial stress and need.
Comptroller DiNapoli’s report found:
- The city’s population fell 1.2% from 2017 to 2022. That lowered its share of the state’s population marginally, to 42.4%, but the city’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose 8.2% during that period, accounting for more than 57% of the state’s GDP during each of those years.
- Total employment in the city grew 1.9% from 2017 to 2022, while its share of the state total increased 1 percentage point to 46.8%. The number of businesses rose throughout the pandemic in New York City but also rose in the state in 2022, leaving the city’s share close to 2017 levels.
- Wall Street wages in New York City, a driver of local and state personal income tax revenue, remain well above 90% of total wages in the securities sector statewide.
- The number of city tax filers, including those with an adjusted gross income of greater than $1 million, and the city’s state personal income tax liability all declined as a share of the state total during the pandemic.
- In 2022, the number of city households in poverty increased over 2021 and is up 8.7% since 2017, reversing a downward trend seen before the pandemic. New York City households represented 43.4% of state households, but 54.7% of households in poverty in the state.
- The number of city residents receiving public assistance rose 16.6% from 2017 to 2022, likely reflecting several federal COVID relief programs ending in 2022.
- The numbers of cost-burdened homeowners and renters in the city both rose from 2017 to 2022, up 11% and 4.1% respectively. People are considered cost burdened when their housing costs exceed 30% of their income.
- The city’s number and share of the state’s Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations remained below the 2017 level in 2022.
Council Speaker Adams Re-Appoints the Independent Rikers Commission 2.0, Led by Former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman
The Independent Rikers Commission 2.0, chaired by former New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, is launching to update and enhance the plan to close the Rikers Island jails. Re-appointed by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, the Commission’s goal is to lay out a refreshed blueprint “in the context of the changed realities of a post-COVID New York City and the law mandating closure by 2027.”
The Commission was initially established in 2016 by former Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. The Independent Rikers Commission 2.0 will increase its membership of civic leaders, public safety experts, and policymakers with new members and advisors representing the perspectives of crime victims, corrections and law enforcement, faith communities, city businesses, community-based safety programs, and human service non-profit organizations, among others.
“Our administration supports closing Rikers Island under a plan that ensures the dignity, safety, and care for all justice-involved New Yorkers,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “The COVID-19 pandemic had wide-ranging impacts on the criminal justice system and jail system in New York City — disrupting court operations, increasing the time to trial, and extending the length of stay for persons in custody — all of which has led to a substantial increase in the jail population on Rikers Island. The pandemic also caused significant issues and delays with the previous administration’s plans to issue requests for proposals and implement the design-phase of the borough-based jails plan, as well as brought construction projects to a halt while causing costs to skyrocket. Our administration’s commitment to the success of our jail system is unwavering, but we also have taken stock of the reality of how this once-in-a-generation pandemic impacted the original timeline for the implementation of the borough-based jail plan. The answer is not to ignore reality or compromise public safety, but to work together to find solutions. Understanding these goals, we applaud Judge Lippman and the Independent Commission on Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform for recognizing the need to reassess the current plan and offering to help develop new recommendations for how New York City can best move forward. The City fully supports the Commission’s work at this critical time, and we look forward to working with Speaker Adams and our colleagues on the City Council on this important mission.”
Briefs
Governor Hochul Advances Expedited Renewable Energy Procurement Process
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) this week issued two Requests for Information (RFI), one for offshore wind and one for land-based renewables.
The purpose of these RFIs is to invite industry stakeholders to review and comment on the potential structure and relative merits of expedited solicitations for Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (ORECs) and Renewable Energy Standard Tier 1 Certificates (RECs). The deadline to provide feedback to the RFIs is Thursday, November 2 for the Offshore Wind RFI, and Friday, November 3 for the Tier 1 Land-Based Renewables RFI.
New State Domestic Incident Guidance for Law Enforcement
Governor Kathy Hochul announced new state guidance for police departments and sheriffs’ offices when responding to domestic incidents. The state’s Law Enforcement Domestic Incident Model Policy outlines trauma-informed and survivor-centered best practices and procedures for police officers and supervisors to follow, with the goal of promoting safety for victims and officers, connecting individuals to services and support, and preserve evidence of a crime, among other topics.
In addition, the Governor Hochul signed two new laws related to domestic violence prevention:
- Chapter 538, sponsored by Senator Cordell Cleare and AM Barbara Clark, enacts the “Hope Card Act” that directs the state Office of Court Administration to develop a program to issue cards containing information of a final order of protection at no cost to individuals..
- Chapter 537, sponsored by Senator Kristen Gonzalez and AM Linda Rosenthal, requires the State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to distribute informational materials on economic abuse.
State Comptroller Tracks State and City Spending Related to Asylum Seekers
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli today launched a new online tool to monitor emergency spending related to assistance for asylum seekers by New York State and New York City. State agencies have spent $316.2 million in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2023-24 on resources for asylum seekers through Sept. 30. New York City’s estimated total spending from Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and FY 2024 through Sept. 30 is $1.89 billion.
The tool breaks down state and city spending by agency. For state agencies, the figures include only spending specifically earmarked by them for activities such as housing, emergency response, resettlement funding, and general and transportation. The data will be updated monthly.
Mayor Adams Launches NYC’s Inaugural Juvenile Justice Advisory Board
New York City Mayor Adams and New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Commissioner Jess Dannhauser this week announced the launch of the city’s first-ever Juvenile Justice Advisory Board to advise and provide recommendations to the mayor, the City Council, and ACS.
Chaired by ACS Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Youth and Family Justice Nancy Ginsburg, the advisory board includes members with different types of expertise in the juvenile justice system, including attorneys who specialize in defending New York City youth, mental health professionals, advocates, and individuals personally impacted by the juvenile justice system.
Coming Up
New York State
Monday, October 30th
To examine Issues in the New York State Market Related to Consumer Accessibility and Retail Sale of Legal Adult-Use Cannabis
Joint – New York State Senate Standing Committee on Cannabis, Finance, Agriculture, & Investigations and Government Operations
Van Buren Hearing Room A, Legislative Office Building, 2nd Floor, Albany, 11 a.m.
Wednesday, November 1st
To Conduct Oversight of the Family Court Throughout the State, Including its Resources, Operations, and Outcomes
Joint – – New York State Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary & Children and Families
Senate Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, 10 a.m.
Roundtable Discission
New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government
NYC Bar Association, 42 West 44th Street, New York, 1 p.m.
New York City
Monday, October 30th
Committee on Fire and Emergency, Committee Room – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Finance, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Housing and Buildings, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 14th Floor, 10 a.m.
Oversight – Preparing for Heat Season.
Tuesday, October 31st
Committees on Public Safety & Technology, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Oversight – NYPD’s Implementation of the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) ACT.
Wednesday, November 1st
Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 16th Floor, 11 a.m.
Committees on Land Use, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 16th Floor, 11:30 a.m.
Committee on Oversight and Investigations, Council Chambers – City Hall, 1 p.m.
Oversight – Mayor’s Management Report: Agency Performance in Delivering Housing & Services.
Thursday, November 2nd
Committee on Finance, Committee Room – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Health, Council Chambers – City Hall – VOTE, 10 a.m.
Committee on Small Business, Committee Room – City Hall, 10:30 a.m.
Committee on Immigration, Council Chambers – City Hall – VOTE, 11 a.m.
City Council, Council Chambers – City Hall, 1:30 p.m.
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