End of Session Recap Statement from Upstate United 

June 5th, 2026

The following can be attributed to Upstate United Executive Director Justin Wilcox.

Ratepayer Transparency Act:

“In a time of great concern surrounding energy affordability for families and business owners, it is disappointing that the bipartisan Ratepayer Transparency Act (A.8414/S.8128) did not receive a vote from both houses before the conclusion of this year’s legislative session. We ask that the Blue Ribbon Commission on Residential Affordability Through Energy Savings (RATES Commission), created via this year’s enacted budget, consider adopting the provisions of the Ratepayer Transparency Act to disclose true cost drivers and ensure real transparency for New Yorkers.”

Data Center Moratorium:

“While we understand that some of the concerns about data centers are valid, many stemming from New York’s self-inflicted power generation shortage, the one-year moratorium passed by the Legislature is ill-conceived and unnecessary. The fact of the matter is that, compared to states like Texas and Virginia, there has been very little interest in New York State, and we support local communities’ right to decide on projects that can bring good-paying jobs and economic growth to Upstate New York.”

CLCPA Changes in Enacted Budget:

“We applaud Governor Hochul for recognizing the need to change course on policies that will no doubt pile on costs to New Yorkers at a time when they can least afford them. Adjusting the state’s emissions accounting formula and extending deadlines for provisions under the climate law are positive steps towards ensuring that New York State remains committed to lowering emissions in a more affordable and reliable way. That said, we still need to have a better understanding of the price tags associated with this amended plan and to address the critically important zero-emissions by 2040 mandate, especially given decreasing reliability margins that have been identified by the NYISO.”

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