Business groups urge methane-capture update in NY climate law debate

By Marie J. French | 03/18/2026 11:40 AM EDT

Supporters of expanding the use of gas from cow waste and landfills are weighing in on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s push to change the climate law.

At the Waste Management facility in North Brooklyn, tons of leftover food sits piled up before being processed into "bio-slurry," in New York. The "bio-slurry" can be turned into methane gas at a nearby wastewater treatment plant.

At a Waste Management facility in North Brooklyn in New York City, on Aug. 29, 2018, tons of leftover food sit piled up before being processed into "bio-slurry." This slurry can be turned into methane gas at a nearby wastewater treatment plant. Stephen Groves/AP

ALBANY, New York — Business interests that could produce or use renewable natural gas see an opening as Gov. Kathy Hochul pushes changes to the state’s climate law.

Some of those groups and businesses sent a letter to Hochul on Monday pressing for changes to how the state calculates emissions for methane produced by capturing emissions from dairy farms, food waste and other sources. Signatories include UPS, engine manufacturer Cummins, the New York Farm Bureau and the New York State Association of Counties.

“We appreciate your leadership and commitment to advance practical solutions that reduce emissions, protect consumers and ratepayers, and strengthen New York’s clean energy economy,” the letter states.

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Why it matters: The letter offers praise for Hochul opening the door to changes to the climate law. The governor has raised concerns about the cost of implementing the 2019 law and said she wants changes made to it in the budget.

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