Hochul Moves to Delay and Alter Climate Law, Citing Energy Prices New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed delaying and modifying the implementation of the state’s 2019 climate law, which mandates gradual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by specific deadlines. The plan, currently under consideration during legislative budget talks, would push back the enforcement regulations—already delayed by two years—to 2030 and adjust how certain emissions are measured. In an editorial published in The Empire Report, a state politics news site, Hochul argued that the law requires “common-sense adjustments” due to significant changes since its enactment. She emphasized the need for more time to address challenges, citing factors such as pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, inflation, tariffs, and the Trump administration’s opposition to offshore wind and solar projects. Hochul also linked the ongoing energy affordability crisis to rising oil and gas prices, which she attributed to Trump’s policies toward Iran. The proposal has been anticipated by lawmakers in Albany, though it comes late in the budget negotiation process. While Hochul holds considerable influence to advance her agenda, legislative approval of the final budget—expected to include changes to the climate law—remains necessary. Speaking at a Politico-sponsored event earlier this month, Hochul stressed the urgency of addressing economic hardship for New Yorkers. “I cannot deal in hypotheticals and aspirations when I have to govern a state where my people are suffering,” she said, highlighting her focus on alleviating immediate financial strain. The adjustments to the climate law reflect broader tensions between environmental goals and economic pressures, as well as the impact of national policies on state-level initiatives.#new_york #kathy_hochul #the_empire_report #politico_sponsored_event #climate_law
