New York Delays Ambitious Climate Law Amid Rising Energy Costs

Governor Kathy Hochul cites need to save consumers money as reason for postponing emissions reduction targets.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:54pm

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A serene, painterly image of a lone wind turbine on a hilltop, its blades still in the warm glow of the setting sun, conveying a sense of uncertainty and transition around the state's climate policies.As economic pressures mount, New York's landmark climate law faces an uncertain future.NYC Today

New York state had previously set ambitious long-term goals to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, but seven years later, Governor Kathy Hochul is now proposing to delay implementation of the law in order to save consumers money amid rising energy costs.

Why it matters

New York's climate law was seen as a model for other states to follow in the fight against climate change. The decision to delay the law's targets raises questions about whether other states may also back off from their own aggressive emissions reduction plans as energy prices continue to rise.

The details

In 2019, New York passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050. However, with energy prices surging, Governor Hochul now says she wants to delay parts of the law to provide relief to consumers.

  • New York passed its climate law in 2019.
  • The law set a target of 85% emissions reduction by 2050.
  • Governor Hochul is now proposing to delay implementation of the law.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York, who is proposing to delay the state's ambitious climate law in order to save consumers money amid rising energy costs.

New York

The state that passed a landmark climate law in 2019 setting aggressive emissions reduction targets, but is now considering delaying that law due to economic pressures.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The New York state legislature will need to approve any changes to the climate law proposed by Governor Hochul.

The takeaway

The decision by New York to potentially delay its climate law highlights the difficult balance states face between addressing climate change and providing economic relief to consumers during a period of high energy prices. This could set a concerning precedent if other states follow suit and scale back their own ambitious emissions reduction targets.