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NYSERDA offers $18 million in grants for nature-based solutions to lower carbon emissions

A large body of water at Lake Champlain is surrounded by forest and a clear sky.
Chris Bolt
/
WAER News
A ballot proposition on November's election would put language into the New York State constitution that would mandate a right to clean water, clean air, and a healthful environment, guarantees that don't now exist in the state's constitution.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is now administering more than $18 million for private companies and others to develop nature-based solutions that would lower emissions and trap carbon through cutting-edge technologies, products, and services.

NYSERDAwill award funding through theNatural Carbon Solutions Challenge and is actively seeking proposals from organizations, private companies, and research institutions that produce low-emissions products. Funding for this initiative is provided through the State's 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund and theRegional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

The Natural Carbon Solutions Challenge's goal is to decrease greenhouse gasses and intensify clean energy in New York State. The challenge allocates funding to research and developmental and demonstrative projects with the intent to reduce carbon footprints.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announcedthe start of the challenge Wednesday.

"New York is leading the fight against climate change by spurring innovation and revolutionizing the ways we reduce carbon emissions," Governor Hochul said in a statement.

NYSERDA is looking for innovative projects, such as building-shell retrofits, sustainable new construction, and ways to optimize land use to lower carbon emissions and reduce air and water pollution.

The objective is to develop technologies that lead to cost savings for energy services, stimulate job creation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by the year 2050.

NYSERDA will accept applications until Nov. 29. The Authority will host a webinar on Nov. 3 from 1 - 3 p.m. to learn more about this program.

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.