Gov. Kathy Hochul won’t have to sweat the potential up-front costs of reducing planet-warming emissions for several years under a budget measure lawmakers are poised to approve Tuesday.
The governor secured changes to New York’s 2019 climate law that defers any requirement for significant action on transitioning off fossil fuels and blunts a lawsuit that sought to force her to act more swiftly. The deal also includes some minor provisions to boost small-scale solar and a near-term infusion of cash for climate and clean energy investments.
Details were finalized in the transportation, economic development and environmental conservation bill posted Monday evening and teed up for a vote in the Senate and Assembly on Tuesday.
Hochul touted the changes as needed to prevent higher future costs for consumers as she runs for reelection with a major focus on affordability. Environmental groups are critical of the deal because it delays efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
