Third Act Upstate New York

Have I mentioned how awesome agro-voltaics are today?
#ClimateSky #Greensky #EconSky

Dr. Peter Griffith, seated to the left, and John Cebellos, seated to the right, present to an audience seated at tables before them.

Three Upstate Third Actors and their group facilitator seated at a workshop table, showing off their Here Comes the Sun Poster.

Poster titled Here Comes the Sun signed by Mike, Chris, and Alison of Third Act. Gain local government support for Community Solar and Battery Energy Storage.

Three Upstate Third Actors participated in the NASA Earth to Sky: Sharing Our Adirondack Climate Story workshop this week at The Wild Center & Paul Smith's College VIC.

They worked with Dr. Peter Griffith & John Cebellos of NASA & other specialists to learn to engage audiences on climate issues.

White crown with a red X across it. No Kings We will show up on March 28. Come join us. Protest signs reading Rejecting Kings Since 1776, We the People Reject Fascism, and No Kings with the crown and X through it.

March 28 will be the largest nonviolent protest in American history.

Find your local No Kings event to stand up for our communities and reject Trump's fear and violence.

Find an event: www.nokings.org?SQF_SOURCE=t...

Environmental groups call on Gov. Hochul to stop undermining landmark climate law They say a Hochul administration memo incorrectly states the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or CLCPA, could cause energy bills to rise even more.

& over in Syracuse yesterday--legislators and advocates give a resounding NO to @governor.ny.gov's attempts to weaken our 2019 Climate Law

www.waer.org/2026-03-06/e...

How Will the War in Iran Affect Your Utility Bills? - Inside Climate News Conflict in the Middle East could have major repercussions for U.S. electricity and natural gas prices. Some states, like Pennsylvania, are particularly vulnerable.

""for the companies well-positioned to make the most of suddenly rising natural gas prices, “it’s a gold rush,” Williams-Derry said. “I’ve often described the oil and gas industry’s financial strategy as ‘pray for war,’” he said. “That is how they make money.”"
insideclimatenews.org/news/0503202...

Buffalo advocates warn Gov. Hochul not to compromise CLCPA A group of environmental and government watchdog agencies are criticizing Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration for what they say is an apparent attempt to undermine New York State’s existing Climate...

Franchelle Parker, executive director at Open Buffalo:

“The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act represents a promise that we will not sacrifice the health of our communities for short term political debates or fossil fuel interests.”

More than two thirds of state Sen. Dems oppose CLCPA changes “I believe very strongly that she has been peddled an enormous amount of misinformation,” state Sen. Liz Krueger said of the governor.

Rolling back NY's Climate Law will do nothing to reduce costs, because it isn't the cause of rising costs. The oil and gas status quo created the affordability crisis, and cheap, quickly-deployable renewables, storage, and efficiency will get us out of it. spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-...

March 5, 2026 The Honorable Kathy Hochul Governor of New York State NY State Capitol Building Albany, NY 12224 Re: Upholding New York’s Leadership in the Fight Against Climate Change Dear Governor Hochul, At a time when the Trump Administration is doing everything possible to tear down decades of progress in the fight against climate change, it is incumbent on states like New York to reject this new wave of climate denial and put forward bold policies that will save New Yorkers money, reduce pollution, and protect a livable climate for our constituents and our children and grandchildren. That is why we, the undersigned senators, categorically oppose any effort to rollback New York’s nation-leading climate law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and urge you to stand strong in the face of misinformation that seeks to blame the CLCPA for the energy affordability crisis that fossil fuels have created. Climate change remains one of the greatest threats that our constituents - and societies across the globe - have ever faced. New Yorkers are already living through extreme weather events that run the gamut from searing heat waves to Arctic cold snaps, and they are already paying the price1, with their dollars, their homes, their health, and even their lives. The climate crisis is driving up the cost of home insurance, of health care, of groceries, and of countless other daily necessities2, and every delay in taking action will only drive those costs even higher. Confronting this crisis is a generational task and a legacy issue for every elected official, and it is inseparable from any credible effort to address the high cost of living. At the same time, there is no question that we must address energy affordability, capacity, and reliability. But while President Trump and the fossil fuel industry want New Yorkers to believe that we must choose between those needs and climate action, nothing could be further from the truth. The recent three-page memo from…

not include any price guardrails, with a completely unrealistic carbon price34. As such, the analysis simply cannot be treated as a serious contribution to the debate. In reality, rolling back the CLCPA will not save our constituents money because it is not the cause of increasing costs. It is the fossil fuel status quo56 that has created the affordability crisis New Yorkers are now suffering from, and it is bold action to deliver renewable energy and energy efficiency that will give them relief, saving money for individuals in the immediate-term and for all utility customers in the medium- and long-term7. When it comes to energy generation capacity, renewables can be deployed cheaply and quickly to meet our needs8. And over the last year, through heat waves and polar vortexes9, renewables have proven that they add much-needed reliability10 to the grid, reducing price spikes in the process, like those driven by wars in Europe and the Middle East. Between us we carry significant legislation on a broad number of policies large and small that will reduce New Yorkers’ costs and move us toward our science-based climate targets. We stand ready to work with you and your administration to implement comprehensive climate policies that truly meet the needs of this moment – but we cannot support abandoning our commitment to climate progress. Sincerely, Liz Krueger Pete Harckham Kevin S. Parker 28th Senate District 40th Senate District 21st Senate District Chair, Finance Chair, Environmental Conservation Chair, Energy & Telecoms Jamaal T. Bailey April N.M. Baskin Erik Bottcher 26th Senate District 63rd Senate District 47th Senate District

Jabari Brisport Samra Brouk Cordell Cleare 25th Senate District 55th Senate District 30th Senate District Leroy Comrie Nathalia Fernandez Kristen Gonzalez 14th Senate District 34th Senate District 59th Senate District Andrew Gounardes Michelle Hinchey Robert Jackson 26th Senate District 41st Senate District 31st Senate District Brian Kavanagh John Liu Rachel May 27th Senate District 16th Senate District 48th Senate District Shelley B. Mayer Zellnor Myrie Roxanne J. Persaud 37th Senate District 20th Senate District 19th Senate District Jessica Ramos Gustavo Rivera Julia Salazar 13th Senate District 33rd Senate District 18th Senate District James Sanders Luis Sepulveda José M. Serrano 10th Senate District 32nd Senate District 29th Senate District Toby Ann Stavisky Lea Webb 11th Senate District 52nd Senate District

👀 New letter from 29 NYS Senators (>2/3 of the Dem caucus) to Hochul this morning:

“We categorically oppose any effort to rollback New York’s nation-leading climate law… and urge you to stand strong in the face of misinformation that seeks to blame the CLCPA for the energy affordability crisis”

As federal rollbacks drive up energy costs, New York can't afford to step back on climate - Climate 411 By standing firm and implementing a thoughtfully designed cap-and-invest program through the Clean Air Initiative, New York can cut energy bills and generate billions in economic activity — all while ...

The Clean Air Initiative or cap-and-invest could lower costs for New Yorkers by raising funds:

"...that would be invested in direct rebates on bills, clean energy upgrades and energy efficiency programs that deliver tangible economic and health benefits to households."

@envdefensefund.bsky.social

Renewable Energy and National Security The wind and the sun don’t need to transit the Strait of Hormuz

Paul Krugman, in today's post, "Renewable Energy and National Security":

"...there is another reason for nations to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels: security."

paulkrugman.substack.com/p/renewable-...

Hochul's administration can amend Climate Act targets without Legislature The Public Service Commission has the power to adjust New York’s 2019 Climate Act mandates without involving the state Legislature.

The PSC could roll back the CLCPA's clean energy requirements, although it can't modify the Act's emissions standards.

CLCPA proponents are fighinting back. As @lizkrueger.bsky.social notes:

“Before we talk about rolling back (the Climate Act), we should really try implementing it first.”

NY's ‘Bigger, Better Bottle Bill’ aims to double deposit and accept more beverage containers What is instead of getting a nickel for a recycled can, you got a dime? That's one change advocates are hoping for from a new bottle bill.

NYS needs the legislature to pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill:

"...the bill aims to modernize New York’s container deposit system by expanding it to include nearly all beverage containers, excluding dairy and 100% juice. The proposal would also raise the deposit from five cents to 10 cents."

Vermont Conversation: Bill McKibben on fighting climate denialism with democratic power - VTDigger "The temperature is going up very rapidly, and we live in this era of surging authoritarianism. Against those two big bad things, there's one big good thing happening on Earth, and that's this rise of...

David Goodman of the VTDigger podcast interviews Bill McKibben:

McKibben:

"...what is to be done?...One of the few really powerful possibilities we have is what remains of our electoral system. Our job is to protect it and use it at all costs."

New Legislation Would Advance ‘Virtual Power Plants’ in New York A bill introduced by Assemblymember Anna Kelles aims to harness home batteries, electric vehicles, and other clean tech to meet reliability needs.

Following Virginia, Illinois, and other states, New York now has legislation on the table to ramp up “virtual power plants.” It would give utilities six months to develop programs and boost incentives for customers to participate.

Here’s a first look at the new bill from Assemblymember Anna Kelles:

Email Assembly Democrats: Don't Weaken NY's Climate Law - NY Renews

Are you a NYS resident whose assembly member is a Democrat?

Email them now, before noon today, to tell them to speak up to protect the Climate Law!

act.nyrenews.org/email-assemb...

Topic Rebecca Solnit Discusses "The Beginning Comes After the End" With Bill McKibben Third Act Advisor Rebecca Solnit discusses her latest book The Beginning Comes After the End, with Bill McKibben, Founder of Third Act Her latest book is a thrilling account of the sheer breadth and ...

Rebecca Solnit discusses her new book "The Beginning Comes After the End" with Bill McKibben, 3/10, 7 pm ET. RSVP: tinyurl.com/54hcw5h3
"change is ... an inevitability ... nothing less than dismantling an old civilization and building a new one ... a more interconnected, relational world."

Governor Hochul threatens N.Y.'s climate laws As long-time observers know, Albany has a budget “dance.” The first step is that the governor must introduce her executive budget by mid-January; she has until mid-February to make any changes.

Blair Horner of @nypirg.bsky.social comments on Gov. Hochul hiding her intentions regarding NY's Climate Law through the secret budget negotiation process.

"If the governor wants to propose changes, do it in the light of day outside of the budget. New Yorkers have a right to know."

Statute of Liberty on the left. Day of Action Gov. Hochul: Defend NY, Fund Our Future Protect Immigrants! Tax the rich! Make polluters pay! Tuesday, March 10th Albany, NY, 10:00 AM Logos of Invest in Our New York, NY Renews, Make the Road NY

Hochul, Defend New York Now!

March 10, 10:00 AM, Albany

We are standing as one to demand a New York that is sustainable, affordable, and safe for all. See you there!

Register: actionnetwork.org/events/d853d...

We worked too hard on New York's groundbreaking 2019 climate law to allow @governor.ny.gov to weaken it. We call on the Governor to fully implement this law and stand up for New Yorkers' right to a livable planet!

John Raskin, @springstclimate.bsky.social:

“We're having a public discussion about cap-and-invest...And in order to have a fully informed discussion, we should have a clear vision for what the benefits of the cap-and-invest program could be.”

New Yorkers are standing against @governor.ny.gov’s efforts to weaken NY’s Climate Law!

Together, we are fighting to ensure our Climate Law stays strong so we can lower energy bills, protect our neighborhoods, and build a sustainable future for our families.

Climate versus affordability Democrats who support New York’s 2019 climate law are up in arms over the renewed posturing from Gov. Kathy Hochul on the costs of the law.

As @emilyassembly.bsky.social asks in this article, how could energy changes that have not been implemented drive up energy costs?

www.politico.com/newsletters/...

AI: Does not compute Building fossil-fuel infrastructure to power data centers is a poor bet. Renewables are by far the cheaper, faster choice.

Amory Lovins & Justin Locke: "Gas and nuclear vendors that can’t beat energy efficiency and renewables in competitive markets are leveraging [AI and data center] hype into mandates and subsidies to rescue their losers."

How to Push New York Utilities Into the Future: A Q&A With Jigar Shah The energy expert discusses his vision for a more flexible grid — and what’s standing in the way.

Good interview with Jigar Shah on pushing utilities to a more flexible grid.

"...a cheaper, cleaner grid is within reach — if only utilities would allow it."

nysfocus.com/2026/02/28/v...

Exactly

NY lawmakers push back on Hochul's plan to delay climate mandates New York's 2030 climate mandates are at the center of a growing budget standoff between Gov. Hochul and legislative Democrats, who disagree sharply over energy costs, carbon accounting, and the future...

“All of the above” = only the most expensive www.adirondackexplorer.org/environment/...

In the month of March, stand up for climate justice and democracy. 3/10, Albany Gov. Hochul: Defend NY, Fund Our Future 3/25, Albany Defend Our Climate Law Emergency RallY 3/28, Everywhere No Kings

Stand up for climate justice & democracy!

3/10: Hochul, Defend New York Now!
actionnetwork.org/events/d853d...

3/25: Defend Our Climate Law Emergency Rally
actionnetwork.org/events/rhn-m...

3/28: No Kings
www.nokings.org?SQF_SOURCE=t...

@renewableheatnow.bsky.social
@nyrenews.bsky.social

Tell Congress: No War with Iran Trump has launched unauthorized military strikes on Iran, dragging the United States into yet another war without approval from Congress. This reckless escalation is putting U.S. servicemembers, Ameri...

From immediate oversight, to forcing a vote on a War Powers Resolution, to restricting or cutting off funding for unauthorized hostilities, our Members of Congress must use every lever in their toolbox to put an immediate stop to this war.

Make sure your elected officials hear from you.

Mark your calendar for this important program: THE SEPARATION OF POWERS by Constitutional scholar, Dr. Jeffrey Koch, Monday, March 2, 7:00 pm at Michael's Episcopal Church, Geneseo, NY.
Details and RSVP - www.mobilize.us/genseevalley...
Free admission with limited seating. (Donations welcome).

As Governor Hochul Proposes Climate Law Rollbacks, New Yorkers’ Health, Energy Bills, and Future Threatened — NY Renews Governor Hochul is gaslighting the public. She’s equipping her agencies to gut the climate law — backed by bad data that ignores years of the state’s own modeling and research — and echoing the T...

@nyrenews.bsky.social's response to NYSERDA memo claiming cap and invest would raise costs for NY households:

"Governor Hochul: Don’t pull a Trump and destroy New York’s climate law."

Third Act Upstate NY is on the NY Renews coalition steering committee.

www.nyrenews.org/news/governo...