NYSAC Submits Comments on New York's Cap-and-Invest Investment Framework

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), in collaboration with the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) and the Association of Towns (AOT), recently submitted detailed feedback on the New York Cap-and-Invest (NYCI) program's proposed investment framework. The Cap-and-Invest program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the transition to clean energy by setting a limit on emissions and requiring large-scale polluters to purchase allowances for the pollution they produce. Proceeds will be reinvested in key areas to mitigate consumer costs and support the achievement of New York's climate goals.

NYSAC’s comments underscore the critical role local governments play in fostering strategic and equitable climate solutions and call for greater inclusion of their perspectives in state-level decision-making. The comments also highlight the need to protect farmland, expand capacity-building programs like Climate Smart Communities and Clean Energy Communities, and modernize the electrical grid to improve reliability and accommodate the growing demand for clean energy.