Advanced Manufacturing Growth and Practical Climate Leadership in New York State
Randy Wolken, President & CEO

New York has long positioned itself as a national leader in climate policy, and the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) reflected that ambition. The goal of building a cleaner, lower-emissions energy system is aligned with the values of manufacturers across the state.

At the same time, New York is experiencing a powerful resurgence in advanced manufacturing — driven by reshoring, technological innovation, and historic investments, such as semiconductor production in Upstate New York. The opportunity before us is clear: to demonstrate that economic growth and climate leadership aren’t competing priorities, but mutually reinforcing ones.

At MACNY, we believe that New York can lead the nation by proving that advanced manufacturing thrives in a state committed to cleaner energy — if that energy system is also reliable, affordable, and practical to implement. The recent direction from Governor Kathy Hochul to pursue a more practical, “all-of-the-above” energy strategy represents an important and necessary step toward achieving that balance.

Manufacturers operate in a world defined by precision, timelines, and global competition. Advanced manufacturing facilities, whether producing semiconductors, aerospace components, or next-generation materials, require continuous, high-quality power. Even brief disruptions or sustained cost increases can undermine competitiveness and redirect investment to other regions. As energy demand accelerates, driven not only by industrial growth but also by electrification across transportation and buildings, New York’s energy policies must evolve to reflect this new reality.

Governor Hochul’s emphasis on reliability and affordability alongside decarbonization is particularly important. A balanced energy portfolio that includes high-capacity-factor resources such as nuclear power, together with renewables like wind and solar, is critical to maintaining grid stability. Nuclear energy, in particular, provides consistent, carbon-free electricity that aligns directly with the CLCPA’s emissions goals while also supporting the uninterrupted operations that manufacturers depend on.

In addition, natural gas must continue to play a necessary and pragmatic role in New York’s energy system. For many advanced manufacturing processes, natural gas remains an essential fuel source, providing high-temperature heat, process stability, and operational flexibility that can’t be fully replaced at scale. In power generation, natural gas also serves as a critical bridge fuel, ensuring reliability as the grid transitions toward greater electrification and increased renewable penetration. Maintaining access to natural gas infrastructure — while continuing to reduce emissions over time — will help ensure that manufacturers can operate competitively while the next generation of energy technologies matures.

Continued investment in advanced nuclear technologies positions New York at the forefront of both energy innovation and industrial growth. But nuclear and renewables alone won’t meet near-term demand without firm, dispatchable support. A pragmatic approach recognizes that a stable transition requires multiple reliable sources working together.

Equally important is the recognition that transmission infrastructure must keep pace with both new generation and rising demand. Access to power is a decisive factor for manufacturers evaluating where to locate or expand operations. States that invest proactively in grid capacity gain a competitive advantage — not only in energy deployment but also in economic development more broadly. Strengthening New York’s transmission system will ensure that power generated across the state can be delivered efficiently to advanced manufacturing hubs, including those emerging in Upstate regions.

MACNY supports a more flexible and innovation-driven approach to achieving the CLCPA’s long-term goals. Technological progress rarely follows a single, prescribed path. Expanding the range of qualifying solutions to include emerging technologies — such as advanced energy storage, hydrogen, and grid-enhancing systems — will allow New York to benefit from breakthroughs already underway. Many of these technologies are directly tied to manufacturing capabilities, creating a virtuous cycle in which energy innovation and industrial growth reinforce one another.

At the same time, it’s critical to ensure that the pace of electrification aligns with the readiness of the infrastructure. The adoption of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other technologies must be matched by sufficient grid capacity and generation resources. Sequencing these changes thoughtfully will help avoid unintended consequences, such as increased costs or reliability challenges, while still advancing the state’s decarbonization objectives.

Cost competitiveness remains a central concern for manufacturers. Energy is a significant input cost, and sustained increases can erode margins and deter investment. By focusing on a balanced energy mix — including nuclear, renewables, and natural gas — alongside infrastructure investment and innovation, New York can manage these costs while continuing to lead on environmental performance. This is particularly important for Upstate regions, where manufacturing plays a critical role in local economies and where affordability challenges can be more pronounced.

For MACNY and its members, the vision is clear: New York can be the best place in the nation for advanced manufacturing precisely because it’s a leader in cleaner energy. When reliability, affordability, and sustainability are pursued together — and when fuels like natural gas are used responsibly to bridge toward a lower-emissions future — they create a powerful foundation for growth. Manufacturers are ready to invest, innovate, and expand in New York. With a practical, forward-looking approach to energy policy, the state can ensure that this growth continues, benefiting communities, strengthening the economy, and advancing climate goals at the same time.

In the end, New York’s leadership will be defined not only by the goals it sets, but also by the systems it builds to achieve them. With the right balance, growth and cleaner energy aren’t only compatible — they’re the future of New York State.