ALBANY, NY (WRGB)- Hundreds of New Yorkers are expected to rally at the state Capitol in Albany, urging Gov. Kathy Hochul not to change the state’s climate laws as she proposes delaying key emissions targets and revising how emissions are measured.
Under current law, New York must cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030.
Hochul is proposing a new, later target of 2040, arguing that affordability concerns and economic headwinds have made the current targets difficult to meet without driving up household and business costs.
The proposal has drawn criticism from multiple sides, with energy prices at the center of the debate.
Democrats and Republicans say utility rates are already too high. Climate advocates argue high costs are a sign the climate laws have not been aggressive enough, while Republicans blame green energy requirements for existing high prices.
Hochul said the issue is part of ongoing budget negotiations.
“And I believe it’s all possible. I think this is viewed by some as an intractable challenge. I believe there’s a path where we can get together working with the legislature, to do what we need to do with the goals I’ve set forth,” Hochul said.
The discussion over energy costs has been fueled by a leaked government memo that said New Yorkers will pay thousands more per year for things like natural gas and oil if the climate goals are not adjusted or dropped.
Liz Moran, a New York policy advocate at Earthjustice, criticized the governor’s approach.
“Rather than put the law in place, implement the law and start cutting these high energy bills New Yorkers are suffering from. The governor is looking to roll back this key tool. That’s unacceptable as New Yorkers are suffering from these high energy bills,” Moran said.
Moran went on to say, “All we’re asking of the Governor is to try. A big problem here is the Governor has been pursuing delay after delay. We need the Governor to start trying to meet the targets in this law.”
Protesters are expected to meet at the Legislative Office Building at 11:30 on Wednesday and protest outside the governor’s office a little before 1 p.m.