Third Act Upstate New York
@thirdactupstateny.bsky.social
We are a community of elders throughout Upstate New York using our life experiences and resources to safeguard the climate and uplift democracy. Learn more about us at: https://thirdact.org/upstate-ny/
Pinned
The Deadline Hochul website is live! Save the date--April 18 in Albany--and find out how you can help:
--See the list of sponsors
--Sign up for the Mobilizing Committee
--Make the pledge to march in Albany
--Watch the video of the Mobilization Launch Call on December 15
www.deadlinehochul.org
--See the list of sponsors
--Sign up for the Mobilizing Committee
--Make the pledge to march in Albany
--Watch the video of the Mobilization Launch Call on December 15
www.deadlinehochul.org
Good news! Millions in extra funding for the Empower+ program, which helps low and moderate-income households reduce their energy bills. The funding comes from RGGI, the East Coast cap and trade program.
New York Shores Up Funding for Key Energy Efficiency Program
The state plans to stabilize the Empower+ program with a record amount of money from the pollution pricing program RGGI.
nysfocus.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Good news! Millions in extra funding for the Empower+ program, which helps low and moderate-income households reduce their energy bills. The funding comes from RGGI, the East Coast cap and trade program.
Op-ed in today's Albany Times Union.
"Supporting more renewable energy development, paired with storage and demand-side resources, will deliver predictable, low-cost power over decades and minimize exposure to volatile international fuel markets."
Gift article
"Supporting more renewable energy development, paired with storage and demand-side resources, will deliver predictable, low-cost power over decades and minimize exposure to volatile international fuel markets."
Gift article
Commentary: To make energy more affordable, double down on renewables
For years, fossil-fuel infrastructure has been subsidized by taxpayers, creating an illusion of affordability. But renewable energy has lower overall system costs.
www.timesunion.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Op-ed in today's Albany Times Union.
"Supporting more renewable energy development, paired with storage and demand-side resources, will deliver predictable, low-cost power over decades and minimize exposure to volatile international fuel markets."
Gift article
"Supporting more renewable energy development, paired with storage and demand-side resources, will deliver predictable, low-cost power over decades and minimize exposure to volatile international fuel markets."
Gift article
"...if any energy projects should be cancelled because they threaten national security it should be fossil fuel plants, since the US defense and intelligence communities have issued literally dozens of reports...identifying fossil-fuel use and climate change as threats to national security..."
Trump is manipulating national security to stop energy projects he doesn’t like
On Monday, December 22, the Trump Administration announced it was pausing five major offshore wind energy projects, citing “national security risks.”
thebulletin.org
December 23, 2025 at 12:25 PM
"...if any energy projects should be cancelled because they threaten national security it should be fossil fuel plants, since the US defense and intelligence communities have issued literally dozens of reports...identifying fossil-fuel use and climate change as threats to national security..."
The Deadline Hochul website is live! Save the date--April 18 in Albany--and find out how you can help:
--See the list of sponsors
--Sign up for the Mobilizing Committee
--Make the pledge to march in Albany
--Watch the video of the Mobilization Launch Call on December 15
www.deadlinehochul.org
--See the list of sponsors
--Sign up for the Mobilizing Committee
--Make the pledge to march in Albany
--Watch the video of the Mobilization Launch Call on December 15
www.deadlinehochul.org
December 22, 2025 at 8:44 PM
The Deadline Hochul website is live! Save the date--April 18 in Albany--and find out how you can help:
--See the list of sponsors
--Sign up for the Mobilizing Committee
--Make the pledge to march in Albany
--Watch the video of the Mobilization Launch Call on December 15
www.deadlinehochul.org
--See the list of sponsors
--Sign up for the Mobilizing Committee
--Make the pledge to march in Albany
--Watch the video of the Mobilization Launch Call on December 15
www.deadlinehochul.org
Why are rooftop solar and home batteries more expensive in the US than in other countries?
The cost of permitting and interconnection.
There are tools like meter socket adapters that could help.
The cost of permitting and interconnection.
There are tools like meter socket adapters that could help.
A path to fast, cheap home solar and batteries: go through the meter
New digital meter socket adapters from Tesla and others make home solar, battery, and EV charging installs a snap. But only if utilities let homes use…
www.canarymedia.com
December 22, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Why are rooftop solar and home batteries more expensive in the US than in other countries?
The cost of permitting and interconnection.
There are tools like meter socket adapters that could help.
The cost of permitting and interconnection.
There are tools like meter socket adapters that could help.
Reposted by Third Act Upstate New York
Today from @scottpwaldman.bsky.social, who reveals that the Trump admin has tapped Judith Curry, & potentially other authors of the DOE's recent misinformation-filled climate report, to helm the next NCA. Other authors could include Ryan Maue + Grok. Yup, that Grok. www.eenews.net/articles/its...
It’s the gold standard of US climate research. Contrarians could write the next one.
Researchers who have downplayed the threat of global warming have been asked to author the next National Climate Assessment.
www.eenews.net
December 22, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Today from @scottpwaldman.bsky.social, who reveals that the Trump admin has tapped Judith Curry, & potentially other authors of the DOE's recent misinformation-filled climate report, to helm the next NCA. Other authors could include Ryan Maue + Grok. Yup, that Grok. www.eenews.net/articles/its...
Reposted by Third Act Upstate New York
This is bunk. These sites are chosen to not interfere with radar systems, according to the process listed on...the Department of Energy's website: windexchange.energy.gov/projects/rad...
December 22, 2025 at 2:01 PM
This is bunk. These sites are chosen to not interfere with radar systems, according to the process listed on...the Department of Energy's website: windexchange.energy.gov/projects/rad...
Alan Cole, Third Act Upstate NY, thanking the legislature for passing the repeal and Gov. Hochul for signing the legislation:
"... the legislature and Governor have taken a crucial first step to address the affordability crisis at the same time as moving New York closer to a clean energy future..."
"... the legislature and Governor have taken a crucial first step to address the affordability crisis at the same time as moving New York closer to a clean energy future..."
New York Becomes the Latest State to Eliminate 100-Foot Gas Line Rule After Years of Advocacy
Ending the unfair policy will save New Yorkers nearly $600 million a year on costly gas pipelines
earthjustice.org
December 20, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Alan Cole, Third Act Upstate NY, thanking the legislature for passing the repeal and Gov. Hochul for signing the legislation:
"... the legislature and Governor have taken a crucial first step to address the affordability crisis at the same time as moving New York closer to a clean energy future..."
"... the legislature and Governor have taken a crucial first step to address the affordability crisis at the same time as moving New York closer to a clean energy future..."
Reposted by Third Act Upstate New York
⚠️ It’s official! New York has repealed the “100-foot rule” subsidy for new gas hookups, joining five other states that have ended similar subsidies.
Statement from Hochul:
Statement from Hochul:
December 19, 2025 at 9:04 PM
⚠️ It’s official! New York has repealed the “100-foot rule” subsidy for new gas hookups, joining five other states that have ended similar subsidies.
Statement from Hochul:
Statement from Hochul:
Reposted by Third Act Upstate New York
HUGE WIN: @governor.ny.gov just signed legislation that eliminates the 100-foot rule. This outdated policy let utility companies charge customers for the expansion of the fossil fuel system. With today’s signature, we are one step closer to #CleanerHeatLowerBills in NYS.
December 19, 2025 at 9:11 PM
HUGE WIN: @governor.ny.gov just signed legislation that eliminates the 100-foot rule. This outdated policy let utility companies charge customers for the expansion of the fossil fuel system. With today’s signature, we are one step closer to #CleanerHeatLowerBills in NYS.
Here's a great PBS NewsHour video on small plug-in solar panels.
Thanks, @billmckibben.bsky.social, for mentioning this video in last night's The Crucial Years post. Things will get better!
youtu.be/yVO9GcNlkLQ?...
Thanks, @billmckibben.bsky.social, for mentioning this video in last night's The Crucial Years post. Things will get better!
youtu.be/yVO9GcNlkLQ?...
Small plug-in solar panels gain traction as an affordable way to cut electricity bills
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
youtu.be
December 19, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Here's a great PBS NewsHour video on small plug-in solar panels.
Thanks, @billmckibben.bsky.social, for mentioning this video in last night's The Crucial Years post. Things will get better!
youtu.be/yVO9GcNlkLQ?...
Thanks, @billmckibben.bsky.social, for mentioning this video in last night's The Crucial Years post. Things will get better!
youtu.be/yVO9GcNlkLQ?...
Reposted by Third Act Upstate New York
Glad to see @thirdactco.bsky.social Third Act Colorado joining the fight to help save the Natl Ctr for Atmospheric Research
December 18, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Glad to see @thirdactco.bsky.social Third Act Colorado joining the fight to help save the Natl Ctr for Atmospheric Research
@nyrenews.bsky.social report:
Cap Pollution, Invest in workers: Job Creation from Proposed Clean Energy Policies in New York
"...New York’s stalled pollution-cap program could create nearly thirty thousand jobs each year across regions of the state and economic sectors..."
Cap Pollution, Invest in workers: Job Creation from Proposed Clean Energy Policies in New York
"...New York’s stalled pollution-cap program could create nearly thirty thousand jobs each year across regions of the state and economic sectors..."
Cap Pollution, Invest in Workers Report — NY Renews
www.nyrenews.org
December 18, 2025 at 1:48 PM
@nyrenews.bsky.social report:
Cap Pollution, Invest in workers: Job Creation from Proposed Clean Energy Policies in New York
"...New York’s stalled pollution-cap program could create nearly thirty thousand jobs each year across regions of the state and economic sectors..."
Cap Pollution, Invest in workers: Job Creation from Proposed Clean Energy Policies in New York
"...New York’s stalled pollution-cap program could create nearly thirty thousand jobs each year across regions of the state and economic sectors..."
Reposted by Third Act Upstate New York
Update: New York pension fund trustees on Wednesday tabled Comptroller Brad Lander’s proposal to rebid a contract with BlackRock, leaving the potential $42 billion move up to his successor. nysfocus.com/2025/12/15/b...
Will New York City Drop BlackRock Over Climate?
Outgoing Comptroller Brad Lander wants the city’s pension funds to reconsider $42 billion in investments with the firm, but it may fall to his successor…
nysfocus.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:35 AM
Update: New York pension fund trustees on Wednesday tabled Comptroller Brad Lander’s proposal to rebid a contract with BlackRock, leaving the potential $42 billion move up to his successor. nysfocus.com/2025/12/15/b...
Liz Moran, @earthjustice.org:
"...this plan locks New Yorkers into continued fossil fuel dependence and delays the transition to clean energy, an approach that will drive up costs, harm communities, and jeopardize the state’s climate mandates.”
"...this plan locks New Yorkers into continued fossil fuel dependence and delays the transition to clean energy, an approach that will drive up costs, harm communities, and jeopardize the state’s climate mandates.”
New York State Energy Plan Could Lead to Higher Bills and More Dirty Energy
New York leaders continue investing in expensive, dirty fossil fuels despite fact that renewables perform well and lower costs
earthjustice.org
December 17, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Liz Moran, @earthjustice.org:
"...this plan locks New Yorkers into continued fossil fuel dependence and delays the transition to clean energy, an approach that will drive up costs, harm communities, and jeopardize the state’s climate mandates.”
"...this plan locks New Yorkers into continued fossil fuel dependence and delays the transition to clean energy, an approach that will drive up costs, harm communities, and jeopardize the state’s climate mandates.”
New York is one of the states suing.
"Sixteen states and the District of Columbia are suing the Trump administration for what they say is the unlawful withholding of over $2 billion in funding for two electric vehicle charging programs."
"Sixteen states and the District of Columbia are suing the Trump administration for what they say is the unlawful withholding of over $2 billion in funding for two electric vehicle charging programs."
16 states sue Trump administration again over billions in withheld electric vehicle charging funds
Sixteen states and the District of Columbia are suing President Donald Trump’s administration for what they say is unlawfully withholding billions of dollars in funding for two electric vehicle chargi...
apnews.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:47 PM
New York is one of the states suing.
"Sixteen states and the District of Columbia are suing the Trump administration for what they say is the unlawful withholding of over $2 billion in funding for two electric vehicle charging programs."
"Sixteen states and the District of Columbia are suing the Trump administration for what they say is the unlawful withholding of over $2 billion in funding for two electric vehicle charging programs."
Reposted by Third Act Upstate New York
Big big big day on global-level climate action today (maybe):
will @BradLander.bsky.social @NYCComptroller.bsky.social move $42 billion in city business away from BlackRock? Or not?
The key pension fund meeting starts at 9:30.
@nysfocus.bsky.social w/ the info 👀
nysfocus.com/2025/12/15/b...
will @BradLander.bsky.social @NYCComptroller.bsky.social move $42 billion in city business away from BlackRock? Or not?
The key pension fund meeting starts at 9:30.
@nysfocus.bsky.social w/ the info 👀
nysfocus.com/2025/12/15/b...
Will New York City Drop BlackRock Over Climate?
Outgoing Comptroller Brad Lander wants the city’s pension funds to reconsider $42 billion in investments with the firm, but it may fall to his successor…
nysfocus.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Big big big day on global-level climate action today (maybe):
will @BradLander.bsky.social @NYCComptroller.bsky.social move $42 billion in city business away from BlackRock? Or not?
The key pension fund meeting starts at 9:30.
@nysfocus.bsky.social w/ the info 👀
nysfocus.com/2025/12/15/b...
will @BradLander.bsky.social @NYCComptroller.bsky.social move $42 billion in city business away from BlackRock? Or not?
The key pension fund meeting starts at 9:30.
@nysfocus.bsky.social w/ the info 👀
nysfocus.com/2025/12/15/b...
"The plan codifies Hochul’s approach, and local officials and energy experts warn that it presents New York City with particular challenges: The plan envisions that gas-fired plants in the city could operate longer than anticipated, and some could be turned back on."
State Energy Plan Undermines Emissions Goals and NYC, Experts Say
New York state called for developing large amounts of renewable energy, but keeps fossil fuels in the mix. Insiders worry it will delay the closure of dirty “peaker” power plants in the city.
www.thecity.nyc
December 17, 2025 at 1:16 PM
"The plan codifies Hochul’s approach, and local officials and energy experts warn that it presents New York City with particular challenges: The plan envisions that gas-fired plants in the city could operate longer than anticipated, and some could be turned back on."
Reposted by Third Act Upstate New York
Unbelievable. This would be a terrible blow to American science, writ large. It would decimate not only climate research, but also the kind of weather, wildfire, and disaster research that has underpinned half a century of progress in prediction, early warning, and increased resilience.
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Unbelievable. This would be a terrible blow to American science, writ large. It would decimate not only climate research, but also the kind of weather, wildfire, and disaster research that has underpinned half a century of progress in prediction, early warning, and increased resilience.
Reposted by Third Act Upstate New York
NY State Sen. @lizkrueger.bsky.social & Assemblymember @emilyassembly.bsky.social spoke last Friday about the Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act, their balcony solar bill, which would make it possible to use small solar panels that can be plugged into an outlet.
Balcony solar push
Democratic state Sen. Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher launched an effort Friday for their balcony solar bill, Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act.
www.politico.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:43 PM
NY State Sen. @lizkrueger.bsky.social & Assemblymember @emilyassembly.bsky.social spoke last Friday about the Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act, their balcony solar bill, which would make it possible to use small solar panels that can be plugged into an outlet.
GOOD NEWS!
The cancellation notice from Action Network regarding tonight's Deadline Hochul mobilization launch call was sent in error.
THE CALL WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7:00 PM TODAY!
Email upstateny@thirdact.org for details on how to join the call.
The cancellation notice from Action Network regarding tonight's Deadline Hochul mobilization launch call was sent in error.
THE CALL WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7:00 PM TODAY!
Email upstateny@thirdact.org for details on how to join the call.
December 15, 2025 at 5:06 PM
GOOD NEWS!
The cancellation notice from Action Network regarding tonight's Deadline Hochul mobilization launch call was sent in error.
THE CALL WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7:00 PM TODAY!
Email upstateny@thirdact.org for details on how to join the call.
The cancellation notice from Action Network regarding tonight's Deadline Hochul mobilization launch call was sent in error.
THE CALL WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7:00 PM TODAY!
Email upstateny@thirdact.org for details on how to join the call.
"The multi-year 'Recharge at IC' initiative adds 30 new charging stations across campus, with a total of 36 charging ports. This includes the first publicly available DC fast chargers located on a college campus in New York state, IC noted."
👍
@ithacacollege.bsky.social
👍
@ithacacollege.bsky.social
Ithaca College expands public electric-vehicle charging network
ITHACA, N.Y. — Ithaca College (IC) says it has completed a project to “dramatically” expand electric-vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across its South
www.cnybj.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:39 PM
"The multi-year 'Recharge at IC' initiative adds 30 new charging stations across campus, with a total of 36 charging ports. This includes the first publicly available DC fast chargers located on a college campus in New York state, IC noted."
👍
@ithacacollege.bsky.social
👍
@ithacacollege.bsky.social
Reposted by Third Act Upstate New York
Today's the day! Join us at 7 p.m. for a great call with @billmckibben.bsky.social and @markruffalo.bsky.social
If you're like me, you're tired of Hochul TALKING about affordability and being a climate leader--and you're ready for ACTION. Join us and special guests @markruffalo.bsky.social & @billmckibben.bsky.social to push real climate & affordability solutions in NY
RSVP here: tinyurl.com/deadline-hoc...
RSVP here: tinyurl.com/deadline-hoc...
December 15, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Today's the day! Join us at 7 p.m. for a great call with @billmckibben.bsky.social and @markruffalo.bsky.social
Reposted by Third Act Upstate New York
For your week:
Whether or not @nyccomptroller.bsky.social Lander delivers the major climate action he promised- or leaves w/ no major accomplishment of his own- is decided Wednesday.
BlackRock, the world’s dirtiest money manager, could lose $42 BILLION from NYC.
citylimits.org/opinion-will...
Whether or not @nyccomptroller.bsky.social Lander delivers the major climate action he promised- or leaves w/ no major accomplishment of his own- is decided Wednesday.
BlackRock, the world’s dirtiest money manager, could lose $42 BILLION from NYC.
citylimits.org/opinion-will...
Opinion: Will NYC's Pension Funds Once Again Lead the Nation on Climate Change? - City Limits
"Comptroller Brad Lander has proposed moving some of the city’s enormous pension fund business from dirtier to cleaner money managers," the authors write. "If he gets the pension fund trustees to enac...
citylimits.org
December 15, 2025 at 12:41 PM
For your week:
Whether or not @nyccomptroller.bsky.social Lander delivers the major climate action he promised- or leaves w/ no major accomplishment of his own- is decided Wednesday.
BlackRock, the world’s dirtiest money manager, could lose $42 BILLION from NYC.
citylimits.org/opinion-will...
Whether or not @nyccomptroller.bsky.social Lander delivers the major climate action he promised- or leaves w/ no major accomplishment of his own- is decided Wednesday.
BlackRock, the world’s dirtiest money manager, could lose $42 BILLION from NYC.
citylimits.org/opinion-will...