Two white-and-black sheep graze in a field in front of a large solar array with trees and mountains in the background.
New York's Future Building a clean energy economy while protecting natural resources. © Nexamp

Stories in New York

New York Leads on Conservation and Clean Energy

Building a clean energy economy while protecting natural resources.

In response to global warming, New York State set nation-leading goals to create a safer energy future and cut the pollution that causes climate change. The Nature Conservancy works with decision makers, partners and communities to shape and advocate for robust environmental funding and polices to advance the responsible development of renewable energy and the protection of the natural resources on which we all depend.

Policy

  •  Video thumbnail of a person centered looking straight at the camera with the video captions reading 'Time is running out to build a safe future for our children and grandchildren.'

    A Bright Future Requires Strong & Steady Environmental Leadership

    The Nature Conservancy works across New York and around the world to protect clean water, reduce pollution, preserve wildlife habitat and help communities prepare for the effects of climate change. Watch the video.

  •  Aerial view of valley studded with green grass and shrubbery on lefthand side, a river cutting down the middle to righthand side, and green and orange shrubbery and homes on the righthand side.

    State Leaders Put $4.2 billion Bond Act on November 2022 Election Ballot

    New York voters now have an extraordinary opportunity to safeguard clean water, reduce pollution, protect farms and forests, and restore wildlife habitat all while creating good jobs and revitalizing neighborhoods. Learn more about the campaign.

  • A birds-eye view of the edge of a wooden walkway overlooking a swamp with floating green plants in it.

    New York Strengthens Protections for Freshwater Wetlands

    In the 2023 state budget, the Governor and Legislature ensured small, freshwater wetlands can be protected for generations to come. Read about the wonder of wetlands.

  • A view from atop a gray boulder on the righthand side of the image looking out onto a blue lake with green trees lining the shore.

    Invasive Species Law Made Permanent to Protect Native Species

    The new law creates permanent preventative policies that will help reduce aquatic invasive species in New York. Read our statement.

  • A group of seals perched on boulders on an ocean shore.

    A Bright Future for Plum Island

    Coalition wins key chance to preserve a secluded island and its many stories. Learn more about Plum Island’s intriguing history and exceptional wildlife. Read our story.

  • A solar energy installer working on a solar panel with green trees in the background.

    New York Enacts Strongest Climate Change Legislation in the United States

    New York signed into law nation-leading climate legislation, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, that will drastically cut carbon pollution and safeguard New York’s ambitious clean energy program. Read our statement.

  • Many small fish leap out of churning water next to the gaping mouth of a humpback whale emerging from the water.

    The Return of the Most Important Fish in the Sea

    As part of a diverse coalition of fishers, scientists and environmentalists, The Nature Conservancy helped secure protections for menhaden, a fish that serves as a primary food source for everything from striped bass and sea birds to whales. Read our story.

Tools

  • A wind turbine is pictured at left and sits on top of a wide open ocean, with a small patch of land with green grass in view. Clouds are seen in a blue sky.

    Turbine Reefs: New Approach to Designing Offshore Wind Power

    Ocean experts show that opportunities for new reefs and clean energy go hand in hand. Read our report.

  • Electrical engineer woman checking solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of a solar farm.

    Long Island Solar Roadmap

    This new report and webmap demonstrates how Long Island could increase solar energy generation and reduce carbon pollution. Crucially, the roadmap finds that these solar installations can be deployed without negatively affecting natural areas. Check out our roadmap.

  • A woman stands on the ground in between two solar arrays wearing a reflective orange vest and a construction hard hat, looking to the upper lefthand side of the screen.

    Accelerating Large-Scale Wind and Solar Energy in New York

    Meeting New York State’s goal of getting 70 percent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030 will require a rapid build-out of solar and wind power across New York. Our report with the Alliance for Clean Energy New York shows how. Read our report.

Community

  • Young woman with a kid and a man in the sun rays look at solar panels.

    Our Clean Energy Future: A Toolkit for Supporting Solar and Wind Projects

    Community involvement and support is critical for New York to transition to a clean energy economy. The Building Our Clean Energy Future: A Toolkit for Supporting Solar and Wind Projects, developed by TNC and New Yorkers for Clean Power, details how. Download our toolkit.

  • Three masked workers, viewed at center, on top of a roof installing a solar panel.

    Uplands Farm Sanctuary

    The Uplands Farm Sanctuary completed an energy makeover to become TNC’s first carbon neutral office in New York. This ambitious project includes rooftop solar, an electric vehicle charging station and energy efficiency upgrades. Explore our Uplands Farm Sanctuary.

Meet Our Team

Learn more about inspiring TNC leaders who have helped shape and secure landmark victories for conservation and clean energy.

  • Headshot of a woman with shoulder length brown hair and glasses smiling at the camera.

    Jessica Ottney Mahar

    Director, Policy & Strategy in New York. Meet Jess.

  • Woman wearing black leggings, white t-shirt and gray jacket stands near an ocean cove with a sunset in the background.

    Echo Cartwright

    Director, Climate Mitigation in New York. Meet Echo.