September 2026 New York GRAC Update
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I hope everyone had a great Labor Day and a successful summer season. For those in the pool and spa industry, I know summer is anything but a slowdown, and I hope the season was a strong one for you and your businesses.
Here in Albany, September marks a transition as well. The Legislature has been out of session since June, and much of the political attention is now shifting toward the November General Election. New Yorkers will vote for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller, along with every seat in the State Senate and Assembly and New York’s congressional delegation.
While lawmakers will not formally return to Albany until January, there is already plenty happening that could shape the 2027 legislative session.
Energy supply, reliability, and affordability are becoming increasingly significant issues in New York. As electricity demand grows from electrification, economic development and large energy users, policymakers are confronting the practical question of how the State will produce enough reliable and affordable power to meet that demand. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has continued to raise concerns about tightening reliability margins and the need for significant new energy development, while the State’s own long-term energy planning recognizes that a diverse mix of resources, including natural gas, will remain necessary as New York transitions its energy system.
At the same time, litigation surrounding New York’s All-Electric Buildings Act remains active. The law would restrict fossil-fuel equipment in most new construction, but implementation of those provisions remains suspended while the legal challenge continues. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the State’s law earlier this summer, and industry challengers have indicated they intend to seek review by the U.S. Supreme Court. These issues are likely to remain a major focus heading into 2027.
There is also a much more direct and positive connection between state policy and our industry: New York continues to make an unprecedented investment in swimming.
Governor Hochul’s NY SWIMS initiative has now directed nearly $260 million to 79 projects across every region of the state, supporting new pools, renovations of aging facilities and expanded access to swimming in underserved communities. This summer alone brought the opening and groundbreaking of several NY SWIMS-supported facilities, and the State continues to expand learn-to-swim and water-safety programming for children. We will continue looking for opportunities to support the Governor’s investment in swimming infrastructure and the broader goal of helping more New Yorkers learn to swim safely.
We also continue to stay closely engaged on the regulatory side. Following the recent three-year code development cycle, NESPA remains well positioned with the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council. The State’s 2025 Uniform and Energy Codes are now in effect, while the provisions related to fossil-fuel equipment in new buildings remain suspended because of the ongoing litigation. Maintaining these relationships is especially important as energy policy, building codes and the practical needs of the pool and spa industry increasingly intersect.
The Legislature will return to Albany in January for the start of the 2027 legislative session. Between now and then, Statewide Public Affairs will be focused on making sure NESPA enters the new year prepared — monitoring the changing energy landscape, continuing our engagement on codes and regulations, supporting opportunities to expand swimming and water safety, and making sure policymakers understand the real-world impact their decisions can have on the pool and spa industry.
There is a lot moving beneath the surface this fall, and many of these conversations will carry directly into next year. As always, our goal is to make sure NESPA has a seat at the table and that policymakers recognize the expertise our members can bring to these discussions.