Advancing Alternative Fuels Innovation in New York
New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) 
establishes the most ambitious climate targets in the United States, requiring a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions below 1990 levels by 2030, a carbon-free electricity system by 2040, and an 85% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050. The Climate Act also ensures that at least 35% (with a goal of 40%) of the benefits from clean energy investments flow to disadvantaged communities.
As part of this transition, alternative fuels—which include biofuels, waste-derived fuels, and e-fuels that serve as hydrocarbon substitutes—are being evaluated and developed to complement electrification and other decarbonization strategies. Alternative fuels are expected to play a critical role in hard-to-electrify sectors such as aviation, maritime, long-haul trucking, and certain industrial applications.
As New York transitions to a clean energy economy, NSYERDA will invest in the research, development, and demonstration of alternative fuels as part of the state’s decarbonization strategy.
2025 RGGI Draft Operating Plan
In December 2024, NYSERDA released the latest draft operating plan [PDF] for New York Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which allocated $24.5 million in 3 years for development of advanced fuels critical to transitioning away from fossil fuels. First is research to identify, scope, engineer, measure and verify, and execute on potential pilot demonstrations in NYS to showcase advanced clean fuels processes. Additionally, this funding will create a program that accelerates the product development of advanced feedstock conversion technologies for producing clean fuels from non-food, waste, and residue feedstocks.
Current Activities
On March 28, 2025, NYSERDA issued Request for Information (RFI) 5985 to gather stakeholder input that will help shape a future competitive solicitation (PON) for pilot projects and research and development projects to produce advanced clean fuels such as renewable diesel, SAF, RNG, etc. in New York State.
Details of the RFI
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