ALBANY, New York — The debate over a sweeping state climate law that requires steep emissions cuts is poised to divide Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democratic lawmakers — and could upend budget talks.
The state’s Democratic lawmakers passed some of the most aggressive climate mandates in the country in 2019, spurred by a backlash to President Donald Trump’s first term attacks on environmental policies. But with escalating costs and implementation challenges — plus an unfettered Trump back in the White House — Hochul (D) is raising concerns about the law’s impact as she runs for reelection.
The Hochul administration is considering proposing changes to the climate law as part of budget negotiations, according to two people familiar with the conversations who were granted anonymity to discuss the talks. Specific details about those potential changes remain unknown, though.
Such a proposal is likely to face pushback from some Democratic lawmakers and environmentalists.
