Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State will allocate $16 million to support the development of its clean energy workforce. The funding, revealed during Climate Week, includes $12 million from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) for workforce training and retraining in partnership with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), as well as $4 million in grants from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for green jobs skills training targeting young people.
“As we transition to a clean energy future, it is essential that we equip New Yorkers with the skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in this evolving industry,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in education and training programs, we are positioning New York’s workforce to lead the way in developing sustainable energy solutions that will spur economic growth and lead us to a cleaner, healthier environment.”
Of NYPA’s $12 million commitment, $7 million will expand electric vehicle (EV) training programs focused on maintenance and repair for vehicles and charging stations. The remaining $5 million will go toward support services such as childcare, transportation, student fees, and books for those enrolled in clean energy training programs.
The NYPA funding comes from an allocation in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget. It supports NYSDOL’s Office of Just Energy Transition (OJET), which connects workers—especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged communities—to job opportunities through upskilling and targeted training initiatives.
In 2024, NYPA had previously allocated $25 million for workforce development efforts related to clean energy. The authority works directly with community training organizations to ensure their programs match employer needs across the state.
The DEC’s additional $4 million grant program aims at youth ages 17-24 through community-based organizations serving environmental justice areas. The last time this grant was offered was in 2017; it provided about $1 million to train over 370 participants and place 59 youths into jobs. Applications for this round are due by January 28, 2026.
Funding for these grants is drawn from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which has been increased to a record $425 million in the 2025-26 state budget. This fund also supports land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species management, recreation access improvements, and water quality projects across disadvantaged communities.
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “New York is building the foundation for a greener, more prosperous New York, where anyone can participate in the state’s growing clean energy sector. The $12 million in NYPA funding will directly support DOL’s efforts to prepare New Yorkers for clean energy careers through thoughtful programming and initiatives that offer vital wraparound services.”
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Developing New York’s clean energy workforce is a strategic investment that positions the state at the forefront of the clean energy economy while ensuring skilled workers and jobs remain right here in New York. This funding from NYPA and DEC advances NYSDOL’s mission to help current energy workers pivot to green careers and prepare the next generation of clean energy professionals. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and continued commitment to initiatives that spur economic growth and make New York an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Green jobs are the future, and Governor Hochul recognizes the importance of equipping our future leaders with the skills they need to be successful in New York’s clean energy transition and other industries that make up our green economy. The $16 million in workforce development investments, including $4 million from DEC to provide youth in environmental justice and disadvantaged communities with skills training, paving a pathway to green employment and a prosperous future for those most in need of support.”
State Senator Kevin Parker said, “As Chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, I have made it my mission to ensure that clean energy funding isn’t just an abstract goal, but a lifeline for the people of New York. This $16 million investment will open doors for workers who are ready to seize new opportunities, and for young people eager to build brighter futures. For too long, disadvantaged communities have been shut out of economic growth, but these programs bring skilled training, support services, and real pathways to good paying jobs directly to them. This is about more than clean energy it’s about dignity, equity, and making sure every New Yorker has a fair shot at the future we are building together.”
Assemblymember Didi Barrett said: “A robust trained workforce is a critical part of our clean energy transition,and I have long advocated for removing barriers that prevent too many people—particularly women,young people,and communities of color—from entering this workforce.Today’s announcement will create good-paying ,clean-energy jobs ,boost our local economies,and help us reach our climate goals.I thank Governor Hochul ,NYPA,and DEC for this critical investment in our future workforce.”
