ALBANY, New York — Gov. Kathy Hochul’s push to weaken New York’s climate law is sparking outrage from environmental groups and support — with some skepticism — from business groups.
Hochul (D) made public some details of her proposal to change the state’s 2019 climate law on Friday. That includes altering the way emissions are counted so the state wouldn’t have to move as aggressively to reduce the use of fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, and delaying a deadline for regulations to achieve the goals to 2030.
The governor plans to advance an interim 2040 target for emissions reductions, she announced Friday. But she has not offered specifics about the new goal, according to three people familiar with the negotiations who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive details.
She wants the changes done in the budget nominally due in 11 days.