Press Releases

The following statement is attributed to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United. “With the governor renewing calls for more New Yorkers to enroll in the Energy Affordability Program, it is important for New Yorkers to understand that these discounts are ultimately paid for by other ratepayers struggling with rising utility bills themselves. The more people who enroll in this […]

The following statement is attributed to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United, in response to reporting done by the Syracuse Post-Standard. “New Yorkers need affordable, reliable energy and investment in our aging electric grid, not legally dubious policies that will increase costs without meaningfully reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. “The arguments presented in court underscore […]

The following statement can be attributed to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United. “What is clear from the NYISO’s latest report is that policy choices are determining system outcomes. By any objective measure, those outcomes are not well suited to attract data centers or any large load employers on the scale of Micron, now or in […]

The following can be attributed to Upstate United Executive Director Justin Wilcox.  A letter from Upstate United in opposition to the Executive Order to implement a Data Center Moratorium can be found here. “While we understand there are some valid concerns around data center development in New York State, many stemming from the state’s self-inflicted power […]

The following statement can be attributed to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United: “It’s difficult not to be alarmed by this data. With the latest CBC tool, Upstate New Yorkers can see for themselves the devastating impacts of Albany’s policies — businesses failing to grow, population decline, and the loss of revenue. NYS needs to course correct now […]

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. […]

Two energy industry veterans — who supported carbon markets and helped develop and operate generating projects, including renewable projects in competitive electricity markets where there is carbon pricing— now warn the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has become “essentially a tax” on New Yorkers’ electric bills As New York families and businesses continue to absorb […]

“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 […]

The following statement is attributable to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director, Upstate United in response to an amicus brief filed by some New York State lawmakers in support of petitioners suing the Department of Environmental Conservation. “This amicus brief is completely out of touch—and frankly, unconscionable. At a time when New Yorkers are already struggling with rising […]

Statement attributed to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United “The data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in today’s Albany Times Union article is as alarming as it is timely while lawmakers continue to negotiate this year’s fiscal plan. The data shows that nearly $10 billion in taxable income was lost due to the significant […]