The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced a new documentary series created by Roadtrip Nation: “Empowered State,” that showcases New York State’s abundant clean energy innovation and green job opportunities, as it follows three young adults who travel throughout the Empire State to see the exciting, clean energy transition already underway, and the meaningful clean energy careers driving it. 

This documentary series highlights the impact of New York state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) in demonstrating a clean energy economy results in new economic development opportunities statewide and supports long-term jobs across all sectors.    

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “Integral to Governor Hochul’s commitment to economic development across the State, is ensuring a just clean energy transition for all New Yorkers and fostering a robust pipeline of clean energy workers. This inspiring documentary, which also includes industry insights from clean energy experts, will help raise awareness about the exciting green job opportunities in New York and across the country and encourage aspiring workers to consider joining the clean energy economy at this pivotal time in United States history, as it is the future of tomorrow that we are building today.”    

Roadtrip Nation created the four-part series, “Empowered State,” which was made possible with support from NYSERDA. The series documents the journey of Leila Tevlin, 19, a current student at Elmira College; David Yang, 21, a recent Columbia University graduate; and Julia Dworetzky, 23, an Energy Engineer at Goldman Copeland in New York City. \The trio traveled 975 miles in 21 days, beginning in Buffalo and ending in Long Island, and conducted 10 insightful interviews with clean energy professionals across the Empire State. 

These industry experts represent various clean energy sectors including: high-efficiency buildings, heat pump technology, wind and solar energy, energy storage, hydro power, clean transportation, and community sustainability. 

Some $29 million has been allocated in new York state for electric vehicle Level 2 charging infrastructure under Charge Ready NY 2.0 and consumer rebates through the Drive Clean Rebate Program. 

The incentive and rebate programs mean more New Yorkers can drive electric as New York state reached a milestone of 150,000 EVs on the road in June 2023. 

The funding supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050 and New York state’s requirement that all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in the state be zero emission by 2035, officials said.

“New York’s climate and clean transportation leadership is reducing air pollution and emissions through solution-based investments in charging infrastructure and rebates,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “Providing cleaner air in communities that face high vehicle traffic, particularly those that are historically marginalized, is an essential step to improving the state’s quality of life while building a more sustainable future for residents, workers and visitors alike.”

Under the program, some $15 million was added to Charge Ready NY 2.0, to support EV charger installation at workplaces and multifamily buildings statewide, as well as public facilities located in disadvantaged communities. This program can help eligible entities save up to 50 percent on installation costs for Level 2 chargers, which are ideal for locations where a car will be parked for a few hours and can provide up to 25 miles of electric range for each hour charged. 

Officials said the program has $12 million available for charging station installation at workplaces and multifamily buildings with an incentive of $2,000 per port, and $2,500 per port in a disadvantaged community. Publicly owned facilities in a disadvantaged community are eligible for $4,000 per port.