In an op-ed published by the Empire Report, Governor Kathy Hochul wrote that in order for New York to reach a clean energy future, goals need to be adjusted.

ALBANY, N.Y. — After publicly signaling that changes needed to be made to New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), Governor Kathy Hochul has put her ideas to paper.

In an op-ed published in the Empire Report on Friday, the Governor wrote that while she stands by the stated goals of the CLCPA, its implementation should be pushed back to ensure its affordable for New Yorkers.

The law has a stated goal of shifting 70% of the state’s total energy needs to renewable sources (wind, solar, hydropower, etc.) by 2030, with a 100% renewable grid by 2040.

“I have repeatedly said that utility rates in our state are too high. And while the Climate Act is not the driver of the high energy prices we are experiencing, the undeniable fact is we cannot meet the Climate Act’s 2030 targets without imposing new and additional crushing costs on New York businesses and residents,” the Governor wrote.

The most clearly stated proposals in the Governor’s op-ed involve shifting the deadline to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions from the end of 2030 to a new target, 2040 and changing the emissions limits are regulations are tied to.

In addition, she proposed changing how emissions are measured under the law to align with international standards used by nearly every other state or risk failing, despite having spent billions of dollars.

Hochul stated: “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.”

The CLCPA aims to achieve a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030 compared to their 1990 levels, and an 85% reduction by 2050.

While lawmakers across the state have called for changes to the CLCPA, some environmental groups are skeptical of the Governor’s proposed tweaks.

“With this proposal, Governor Hochul is backing down at a time when it couldn’t be more critical to protect New Yorkers from energy price spikes driven by fossil fuels, unpredictable extreme weather and pollution that harms our health.” said Kate Courtin, Senior Manager for State Climate Policy & Strategy at the  Environmental Defense Fund.

Business leaders across the state countered those concerns and largely praised the changes, citing that a more well-rounded approach to energy investments may soften the blow of energy reinvestment.

In a statement released by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce praised the Governor’s changes, saying, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for introducing these common-sense reforms to the CLCPA. By extending timelines and updating standards, we are giving New York State the time and resources to invest in an all-of-the-above approach to energy. With increased investment in renewables, nuclear, and natural gas, we can support long-term climate goals while balancing current realities. New York State can and must continue to be a climate leader while also prioritizing affordable and reliable power for our businesses and families. We look forward to continued collaboration with Governor Hochul and our partners in the legislature to ensure these proposals are included in a final enacted budget.”

Any proposed changes would require passage through the New York State Legislature, which birthed the law in 2019 alongside the Cuomo Administration.

Despite supporting the intentions of the Climate Law and touting investments to off-shore wind, solar and hydro power, Governor Hochul wrote that she will push for changes during state budget discussions.