NY Governor Seeks to Revise Ambitious Climate Law

Hochul cites affordability concerns as state budget talks loom

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is aiming to revise the state's 2019 climate law, which set aggressive goals to curb pollution, citing affordability issues as state budget negotiations approach.

Why it matters

New York's 2019 climate law was seen as a national model for ambitious emissions reduction targets, so Hochul's proposed revisions could significantly impact the state's environmental policies and its role in the broader fight against climate change.

The details

According to a report from Politico, Hochul is seeking to modify the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which mandated that New York reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% below 1990 levels by 2050. The governor argues that the current targets may be too costly for residents and businesses to achieve.

  • The 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act set emissions reduction goals for New York.
  • Hochul is seeking to revise the climate law as state budget negotiations approach in 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York, who is aiming to revise the state's ambitious 2019 climate law.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The proposed revisions to New York's climate law will likely be a major point of debate as the state legislature negotiates the 2026 budget.

The takeaway

Hochul's push to weaken New York's climate targets highlights the ongoing tensions between environmental goals and economic concerns, as policymakers grapple with how to balance ambitious emissions reductions with affordability for residents and businesses.