Legislature votes to roll back NY’s landmark climate law

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Gothamist or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: New York’s state Legislature has voted to roll back key provisions of the 2019 climate law
• It replaces the legally binding target of 40% greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 with a non-mandatory 60% reduction target by 2040

🔭 The context: Governor Kathy Hochul led the push for changes, citing potential energy cost increases for residents
• The amendments also extend the GHG accounting timeframe to 100 years, de-emphasize short-lived gases like methane, and exclude imported fossil fuels from state emissions totals, facilitating the Northeast Supply Enhancement gas pipeline
• Business groups support the reforms for affordability, while environmental nonprofits warn it undermines New York’s climate leadership

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Scaling back legally binding emissions targets reduces accountability for climate action and slows progress on reducing heat-trapping gases
• Experts warn that delays in aggressive state-level mitigation could exacerbate local and regional climate risks as extreme heat, flooding, and storms intensify

⏭️ What’s next:mHochul is expected to sign the budget bill, after which state agencies must draft new regulations by 2028 to implement the adjusted targets
• Policymakers may revisit cap-and-invest programs or alternative mechanisms to cut emissions over the next decade

💬 One quote: “Despite what the governor seems to think, sweeping the climate crisis and rising energy costs under the rug does not make them disappear.” — Liz Moran, Earthjustice New York Policy Advocate

📈 One stat: New York law now targets a 60% emissions cut by 2040 “to the maximum extent feasible,” replacing the previous binding 40% reduction by 2030 mandate

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