New York Seeks to Delay Climate Goals as Energy Costs Rise

Governor cites need to save consumers money amid slow progress on emissions cuts.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:42pm

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A moody, atmospheric painting of a solitary power plant smokestack rising above a cityscape, with warm light and deep shadows creating a pensive, nostalgic mood.As energy costs rise, New York's delay of its ambitious climate law reflects the political and economic pressures facing states trying to enact aggressive emissions reduction policies.NYC Today

Seven years after setting ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is now seeking to delay the state's climate law, citing the need to save consumers money as energy costs have risen. The state had previously set a target of cutting emissions 40% by 2030, but Hochul says 'times have radically changed' since then.

Why it matters

New York's climate law was seen as a model for other states, but the governor's push to delay it reflects the political challenges of enacting aggressive emissions reduction policies, especially as energy prices have spiked. This could embolden other states to scale back their own climate goals in the face of economic pressures.

The details

In 2019, New York passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2050. However, Hochul now says the state is not on track to meet those goals and that she wants to delay the law to save consumers money as energy costs have risen.

  • New York passed its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019.
  • The state had set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York who is seeking to delay the state's climate law.

New York

The state that passed ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals in 2019, which it is now struggling to meet.

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What they’re saying

“Times have 'radically changed,' since 2019, when the state set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

What’s next

The New York state legislature will need to approve Hochul's proposal to delay the climate law's emissions reduction targets.

The takeaway

New York's move to delay its climate goals highlights the political and economic challenges of enacting aggressive emissions reduction policies, especially as energy costs rise. This could embolden other states to scale back their own climate commitments, potentially undermining broader efforts to address climate change.