NYSBA Warns CLCPA Implementation Threatens Housing Affordability

New York builders group says climate law's current structure poses risks to energy costs, economic competitiveness, and housing affordability.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The New York State Builders Association (NYSBA) has responded to a recent NYSERDA memorandum analyzing implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), warning that the law's current structure poses serious risks to energy costs, economic competitiveness, and housing affordability in the state. NYSBA says the CLCPA has created significant uncertainty in both the energy and housing markets, and NYSERDA's own analysis underscores the potential for substantial increases in household energy costs, fuel prices, and utility costs for commercial users.

Why it matters

New York already has some of the highest energy costs and overall costs of living and doing business in the nation. The NYSBA is concerned that the CLCPA's implementation will further exacerbate these economic challenges, directly impacting the state's economy and making housing less affordable for residents.

The details

The NYSBA says the CLCPA, although well-intentioned, has created significant uncertainty in both the energy and housing markets in New York. NYSERDA's analysis reportedly shows the potential for substantial annual increases in household energy costs, sharp increases in fuel prices, and dramatic utility cost impacts for commercial users, all of which will ripple throughout the economy.

  • The NYSBA responded to a February 26, 2026 memorandum issued by NYSERDA analyzing implementation of the CLCPA.

The players

New York State Builders Association (NYSBA)

A trade association representing home builders and remodelers in New York state.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

A public benefit corporation that promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources in New York.

Governor Kathy Hochul

The current governor of New York, who the NYSBA says is pursuing a pragmatic, all-of-the-above approach to the state's energy plan.

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What they’re saying

“Although well-intentioned, the CLCPA as currently structured has created significant uncertainty in both the energy and housing markets.”

— New York State Builders Association (Globe Newswire)

“We applaud Governor Hochul's pragmatic leadership in pursuing an all-of-the-above approach to New York's energy plan as she moves the state forward, addresses affordability, and preserves energy reliability.”

— New York State Builders Association (Globe Newswire)

What’s next

The NYSBA is calling on policymakers to carefully consider the potential impacts of CLCPA implementation on housing affordability and reliability as the state moves forward with its energy transition.

The takeaway

The NYSBA's concerns highlight the delicate balance between ambitious climate goals and maintaining affordable, reliable energy for residents and businesses. As New York implements the CLCPA, policymakers will need to carefully weigh the potential trade-offs and work to mitigate the risks to housing affordability and the broader economy.