Governor Kathy Hochul published an op-ed in Empire Report on March 20, detailing her approach to balancing clean energy initiatives with affordability for New Yorkers. In the piece, Hochul described her personal connection to environmental issues and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing climate action while addressing economic challenges facing residents.
Hochul said that New York has invested over $88.7 billion in clean energy since she became governor, highlighting achievements such as the nation’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm and meeting solar goals ahead of schedule. She also referenced ongoing projects like the Champlain Hudson Power Express, which is expected to deliver hydroelectric power to New York City soon.
The governor addressed recent obstacles including inflation, supply chain disruptions, federal tariffs, and changes in federal policy under President Donald Trump. She said these factors have made it more difficult for states to meet ambitious climate targets without imposing significant costs on residents and businesses. “Absent changes to the law, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority found the impact of meeting the Climate Act’s 2030 targets would be staggering—more than $4,000 a year for upstate oil and natural gas households, and $2,300 more for New York City natural gas households. And gas prices at the pump would jump an additional $2.23 per gallon above where it would otherwise be,” Hochul wrote.
To address these concerns, Hochul proposed amending state law to extend deadlines for emissions regulations and align accounting methods with international standards. She emphasized that these adjustments are necessary due to current economic conditions and federal opposition but maintained that New York would still have one of the most ambitious climate laws in the country.
Hochul called on state legislators to support these changes: “I cannot make these changes alone. We need our partners in the Legislature to enact these needed and practical revisions. I look forward to working with lawmakers to achieve an outcome that will make our state both more sustainable and more affordable.” The governor concluded by stressing her commitment to both environmental progress and protecting residents from rising costs.