NY GOP Pressures Hochul to Scrap Climate Law Over Costs

Republicans cite soaring energy prices as reason to roll back state's climate policies.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:05pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of an electrical substation or power line tower in soft, warm lighting, conveying a sense of the political debate surrounding New York's energy future.As energy costs soar, a political battle erupts over New York's ambitious climate policies.NYC Today

New York House Republicans are launching a pressure campaign against Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, calling for her to scrap the state's climate change law due to concerns over rising energy costs for residents.

Why it matters

The battle over New York's ambitious climate policies has intensified as energy prices have spiked, with Republicans arguing the green agenda is hurting working families while Democrats defend the long-term benefits of transitioning to renewable energy.

The details

The GOP lawmakers are citing the high costs of electricity, natural gas, and heating oil as justification for rolling back the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, a landmark 2019 law that mandates the state reach net-zero emissions by 2050. They claim the green policies are exacerbating the financial strain on New Yorkers.

  • The pressure campaign was launched in early April 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Democratic Governor of New York who signed the state's landmark climate change law in 2019.

New York House Republicans

A group of Republican state legislators in New York's House of Representatives who are leading the campaign to repeal the state's climate policies.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let the governor's radical green agenda continue to drive up costs for hardworking New Yorkers.”

— Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, New York State Assembly Republican Leader

What’s next

The GOP-led pressure campaign is expected to intensify in the coming months as the state legislature debates potential changes to New York's climate policies.

The takeaway

The battle over New York's climate agenda has become a major political flashpoint, with Republicans seizing on rising energy prices to challenge the Democratic governor's environmental priorities.