In the midst of budget negotiations, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is advocating for a delay in emissions-reduction targets set by the state’s climate law. She has suggested revising goals from the 2019 Climate Act, which mandates a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030 and 85% by 2050.
Hochul proposes altering the timeline, aiming for a 60% reduction by 2040 while maintaining the 2050 target. Economic policy details to achieve these goals would be revealed in 2028, as she explained during a recent press conference.
Environmental justice communities and their legislative representatives argue the delays could prolong unhealthy living conditions for residents near pollution sources like gas-fired power plants. Eunice Ko of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance emphasized the Climate Act’s focus on reducing pollution burdens on low-income communities of color.
An Emissions Problem
Hochul’s significant influence over the state budget allows her to implement policy changes with reduced transparency, according to Ko. Recent announcements have been made prematurely, with ongoing negotiations still in progress. The state’s latest report shows emissions in 2023 were 15% below 1990 levels, far from achieving the 2030 target.
The state’s largest emissions sources are buildings, electricity, and transportation. Under Hochul’s leadership, several emission-reduction policies have been delayed. For example, action on building electrification to reduce emissions by transitioning from gas heating to electric has been postponed. The All-Electric Buildings Law, which aimed to ban gas in new buildings, has been delayed.
Meanwhile, nearly half of New York’s net electricity in 2024 was generated by gas-fired power plants, which are slow to phase out despite increasing electricity demands. However, the state exceeded its goals for small solar projects and is progressing with an offshore wind project off Long Island.
Transportation has seen improvements, with electric vehicle registrations increasing eightfold since 2019. However, the number of electric vehicles on the road remains below the target of 3 million by 2030.
The trucking industry faces challenges meeting goals, as many trucks remain diesel-powered. The 2021 Advanced Clean Trucks Rule requires manufacturers to sell more zero-emission vehicles, facing opposition from industry groups.
Financial Cost
A leaked memo from the state energy planning agency suggests that achieving climate targets through carbon pricing could increase utility costs. State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez argues that reliance on imported oil and gas is the primary cause of rising costs.
The replacement of aging gas infrastructure, such as leaky pipes, also contributes to higher bills. The scoping plan indicates that the cost of inaction surpasses the cost of action by over $115 billion. Dennis Elsenbeck, involved in writing the plan, stressed the need for planning clean energy projects and transmission lines.
Columbia University’s Noah Kaufman acknowledges the potential cost of emission-reduction efforts but suggests mitigations through rebate schemes for low-income customers and long-term planning. Planning a decade in advance can help manage costs as consumers consider changes to vehicles or heating systems.
“Continuing to Suffer”
Greenhouse gas emissions have tangible impacts on low-income communities, particularly communities of color. Eric Walker of WE ACT expresses concern over health risks and economic burdens. The Climate Act lacks specific strategies to meet targets, requiring regulations by 2024. The state has indicated plans for a cap-and-invest program but has yet to release full details, prompting legal action from environmental groups.
A judge ordered the program’s regulations to be disclosed, which Hochul partly blamed for her proposed climate law changes. Ko of the Environmental Justice Alliance emphasized the importance of the cap-and-invest program for community investment and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
A slowdown in climate action poses health risks, especially amid federal environmental regulation rollbacks. Gonzalez’s district in New York City, nicknamed “asthma alley,” suffers from prolonged exposure to pollution due to delayed climate initiatives.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org