Sustainability & Climate Justice Commission

The City of Ithaca Sustainability & Climate Justice Commission met on June 9, 2026, to discuss several key topics related to energy policy and climate resilience. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement, which mandates net zero emissions for new buildings. The commission reviewed the current status of the legislation, noting a delay in implementation due to ongoing litigation, and discussed concerns raised by public commenters about energy costs, resilience during power outages, and the implications of electrification. The commission also received an update on a recent utility rate case involving New York Gas (NYG), including a temporary rate increase and ongoing advocacy efforts to influence future rate structures, particularly regarding heat pump rates and renewable energy integration. Additionally, the commission explored plans for an aggregated solar Request for Proposals (RFP) targeting municipal rooftops to achieve economies of scale in solar deployment. Other topics included a study on heat exposure in buildings using sensor data, potential policy responses such as a maximum temperature ordinance, and the possibility of collaborating with other local governments and institutions like Cornell University on renewable energy projects. No formal votes or contract awards were reported, but the meeting highlighted ongoing procurement planning for solar installations and active participation in utility rate case proceedings.