But it will be closing soon. Please chime in at https://tinyurl.com/BadWeatherSurvey Let us know what challenges you and your neighbors face when the weather turns nasty - and what concerns you about the changing climate. If it's creating havoc for your neighborhood, yard or home, we want to hear about it.
Time is running out for some tax breaks on energy upgrades. Most federal tax incentives – for things like rooftop solar panels, electric vehicles and heat pumps – are being phased out this year under the federal tax bill that recently was signed into law, though many New York State incentives will continue.
• Efficiency upgrades: This includes upgrading insulation, doors and windows, which can result in significant cost savings for homeowners. If your heating or cooling system needs to be replaced anyway, it’s smart to consider switching to heat pumps. To claim a federal tax credit worth up to 30% of the costs for various upgrades (up to $2,00 for heat pumps, or $1,200 for windows/doors/insulation), you’ll need to get the work done by Dec. 31, 2025.
HEAR, HOMES: The Home Electrification and Appliances Rebate (HEAR) and Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) programs will continue to provide rebates to homeowners for heat pumps, water heaters, insulation, and electric load service upgrades until New York’s pool of funds is used up.
EmPower+: Income-eligible New Yorkers still can access whole-house energy upgrades through the EmPower+ Program.
EVs: To claim a federal tax credit worth up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles or $4,000 for used ones, you’ll need to buy or lease by Sept. 30. The deadline to upgrade electrical panels in your home to handle higher demand is Dec. 31. To claim a federal tax credit worth 30% of the cost of installing a home charger, you’ll need to do so by June 30, 2026. Also, NYSERDA’s Drive Clean rebate and Central Hudson’s purchase incentives still will provide some EV purchase rebates.
Solar: To claim a federal tax credit worth up 30% of the price of a rooftop solar system (averaging around $19,000 in New York), installation must be complete by Dec. 31, 2026. The deadline if leasing a rooftop solar system is Dec. 31, 2027. Also, homeowners continue to be eligible for a 25% New York State tax credit for solar panels on a private residence.
Additional resources … “How Can I Get Clean Energy Tax Breaks?” from The New York Times: tinyurl.com/NYT-TaxCredits “Go Electric,” from Rewiring America: tinyurl.com/Rewire-GoElectric “Paying for Solar,” from NYSERDA: tinyurl.com/NYSERDA-HomeSolar
Thank you to everyone for helping the CSTF qualify the Town of Hurley for $25,000 in grant funds from NYSERDA and there's another $10,000 pending. With community members reporting new EV and Heat Pump purchases plus community solar subscriptions, the Town of Hurley is claiming these grants to offset sustainable upgrades in the town. This money will help pay for the new EV charger at Town Hall, and can be used to fund energy efficient upgrades to the old library building.
Local businesses and organizations throughout the Hudson Valley hold in-person and online events that address actionable climate solutions in our region. This year the lineup includes virtual and in-person events: a climate carnival in Columbia County, workshops on resilient design, postcard writing, mobile yard sale and a talk by renowned climate strategist Bill McKibben Here’s a sampling:
Thursday, 9/12 8:30 am: The Hudson River Watershed Alliance is hosting a virtual talk on how to build strong partner networks to protect drinking water resources.
Also on 9/12 at 6 pm: Meet the author and take home a copy of his book, At Work in the Ruins: Finding Our Place in the Time of Climate Crisis and Other Emergencies in Kingston at the Good Work Institute (GWI) Greenhouse.
Friday, 9/14: Calling on all Architects, Contractors, Developers, Property Managers and Designers to sign up with the GWI in Kingston for a one-day workshop to learn more about creating affordable, healthy and resilient spaces in the Hudson Valley. Virtual attendance is possible.
Saturday 9/14: The Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center is hosting two events: One in the morning, an intriguing conservation to share with and learn from others how global warming affects our lives and how to discuss it; In the afternoon a kid’s activity, The Incredible Carbon Journey starts at 2 pm.
Tuesday 9/17 at 12 noon: Hear Bill McKibbon in person in nearby Rhinebeck at Upstate Films. He will speak about Why This Election is the Most Important of This Geological Era.
Here in Hurley, visit the Climate Smart Task Force booth at Hurley Heritage Day on September 21, 2024. Pop over to learn more about how we’re helping the community become more resilient and prepared for a changing climate. We’ll have a display from Citizens for Climate Action, fun hands-on activity for kids. Learn more about what's really recyclable from the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) and score a reusable shopping bag. We hope to see you there enjoying Main Street’s stone houses, guided walking tours, live music, food trucks, and more!
It’s easy to sign up to talk to an energy coach for free to help you decide what options are right for you: nyforcleanpower.org/cleanenergycoaching or midhudsonenergychoices.org/energy-advising . Discover financial incentives at RewiringAmerica.com, special interest rate funding for all residents, and grants for lower income earners from NYSERDA. If a homeowner qualifies for HEAP, then their home qualifies for energy upgrade grants.