New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced $16 million in state funds to support the development of New York’s clean energy workforce.
The New York Power Authority approved $12 million in funding to the New York State Department of Labor to support workforce training and retraining, and to prepare workers for employment in clean energy careers.
Additionally, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) awarded $4 million in grant funding to support skills training for green jobs for young New Yorkers.
Of the $12 million in funding approved by the NYPA Board of Trustees, $7 million will support the expansion and development of electric vehicle (EV) training programs specializing in maintenance and repair for vehicles and charging stations. The remaining $5 million will be allocated to the NYSDOL Support Services Fund, which strengthens the availability of supportive services for participants enrolled in a clean energy training program, including but not limited to childcare, transportation, student fees and books.
The NYPA funding stems from a commitment in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget and will largely support the efforts of the New York State Department of Labor through their Office of Just Energy Transition (OJET) to connect workers to opportunities for jobs in the clean energy economy through upskilling and training with a focus on serving those who are traditionally underrepresented, especially within disadvantaged communities.
Last year, the Power Authority allocated $25 million for workforce development funding, demonstrating its strong commitment to building a skilled labor force for New York's clean energy future. NYPA will continue to support workforce training initiatives to support New York’s workforce and meet the evolving needs of the renewable energy sector.
NYPA actively engages with each community training organization to ensure skills training is matched with needed positions and participant success through supportive wraparound services. NYPA’s collaboration with the skills-training organizations include input on the classroom and hands-on technology experiences of the enrollees for promoting the requisite clean energy skills and providing guidance on training locations to ensure statewide reach of the awards.
An additional $4 million in grants are available from DEC for Green Jobs for Youth workforce funding programs developed or funded by community-based organizations in or serving environmental justice and disadvantaged communities.
The initiative helps prepare youth between the ages of 17-24 for jobs in the green economy through workforce development, skills training, and certification.
This grant was last offered in 2017, with approximately $1 million helping train and educate more than 370 participants and 59 youth placed into jobs to date.
Funding for DEC’s Green Jobs for Youth Grants is provided by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) as part of New York State’s ongoing commitment to environmental justice.
The 2025-26 enacted State Budget increases the EPF to a record $425 million, helping support work directly in disadvantaged communities, as well as other critical environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, and water quality improvement.
For a complete list of guidelines and more information, contact DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice at 518-402-2600, ejgrants@dec.ny.gov, or online at DEC's Environmental Justice webpage. Questions regarding this grant opportunity will be accepted until close of business Dec. 31, 2025. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Jan. 28, 2026.
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin 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.”
