12:00: Rochester’s rise as a climate tech hub
1:00: Offshore wind, federal rollbacks, and the fight for New York’s clean energy future
As federal support for clean energy faces new political headwinds, Rochester is stepping up. In the first hour of Environmental Connections with host Jasmin Singer, we explore how the nonprofit NextCorps is helping make Rochester a national climate tech contender through startup accelerators, clean manufacturing support and green job programs. But even as programs like Venture For ClimateTech build momentum, looming federal cuts could threaten local progress. Our guests break down the risks, the solutions and the opportunities ahead. In studio:
- Jack Baron, managing director of venture for ClimateTech
- Mike Riedlinger, managing director of technology commercialization at NextCorps
- Chris Thomas, CEO of RETRN Bioworks
Then, in our second hour, we turn to offshore wind — once the centerpiece of New York’s clean energy plan. With a mandate of 9 gigawatts by 2030, the state has invested heavily in offshore wind projects. But political pushback, cost overruns, and a sudden halt to Empire Wind 1 by the Trump administration have put the future of the entire sector in doubt. What’s behind the delays? What are the legal and ecological stakes? And can New York still lead the way on offshore wind? Our expert panel dives into the debate. In studio:
- Nathanael Greene, director of renewable energy policy, NRDC
- Julie Tighe, President, New York League of Conservation Voters
- Alicia Gené Artessa, Director, New York Offshore Wind Alliance
Tune in on the last Friday of every month from 12–2pm for Environmental Connections.
Note: “Connections” (including Environmental Connections) is livestreamed each day on the WXXI News YouTube channel.
