ALBANY — Funds from this year’s state budget will carry the Empire State Plaza through the first phase of its long-awaited decarbonization plan.
State and city officials announced Wednesday that a $136 million appropriation — combined with previous funding — would bankroll the first steps towards updating the state buildings’ energy network. Overseen by the state Office of General Services, the initiative aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the plaza by more than 20%, moving the state incrementally closer towards the ambitious climate goals it set in 2019.
“Gov. (Kathy) Hochul has encouraged all of us, pushed all of us, to lead by example,” said OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy. “This includes greening our state-owned buildings across New York, including this Capitol, so that they are more environmentally friendly, climate resilient and will be able to serve New Yorkers for generations to come.”…