Gov. Kathy Hochul is focusing on building new nuclear power plants and reining in rising utility bills as she elevates her focus on affordability in an election year.
The Democratic governor’s State of the State proposals include a number of changes to utility-rate setting; an effort to ease permitting rules, particularly for housing; and programs to prepare for the impacts of climate change.
“We can make energy more affordable and reliable while still leading the nation in sustainable investments,” Hochul said during her speech in Albany.
Beyond a long-term effort to build new nuclear, the governor on Tuesday didn’t advance any major new policies or funding to reduce emissions from buildings or transportation. That’s frustrating for some environmental advocates who want to see continued progress toward New York’s climate goals, which it is not on track to meet.
