The New York State Common Retirement Fund has deepened its ESG and carbon neutral strategy by injecting an additional $2 billion into the FTSE Russell TPI Climate Transition Index fund, bringing the fund’s total allocation to $4 billion. This move supports the state’s overarching goal of achieving a net-zero investment portfolio by 2040. 

With $26.5 billion already deployed in climate-aligned assets—including green bonds, renewable infrastructure, and low-carbon index funds—the $273.4 billion pension fund is progressing steadily toward its $40 billion green investment target. Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli emphasized the fund’s commitment, stating, “We are continuing to take tangible steps to build a more sustainable portfolio for our members.” 

The FTSE Russell TPI Climate Transition Index, which evaluates companies on carbon intensity, fossil fuel exposure, and green revenue generation, yielded a 28% return in the fiscal year ending March 2024. Although slightly trailing the Russell 1000 Index’s 30% return, the performance underscores the resilience and viability of climate-focused investing. 

Beyond index funds, the pension fund also announced $400 million in new private equity commitments to sustainable infrastructure. These include $250 million to Oaktree Capital Management’s Power Opportunities Fund VII and $150 million to Vision Ridge Partners’ Sustainable Asset Fund IV—both aligned with energy transition and ESG-focused development. 

The expansion comes as the U.S. clean energy sector faces heightened regulatory uncertainty. A potential shift in federal energy policy under a second Trump administration raises concerns over previously approved offshore wind and renewable energy projects. However, DiNapoli reaffirmed the fund’s direction: “Despite political headwinds, we remain focused on the long-term value and resilience that sustainable investments bring to our portfolio.” 

This latest investment cements New York’s position as a leading public fund committed to ESG principles and advancing a carbon neutral strategy through diversified, long-horizon sustainable finance. 

Sources: 

https://esgnews.com/new-york-pension-fund-invests-2-billion-in-ftse-climate-transition-index/ 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-21/new-york-pension-adds-2-billion-to-climate-index-fund-stake 

https://www.newprivatemarkets.com/new-york-state-pension-commits-to-power-and-transition-funds/