ALBANY, New York — Primary challengers positioning themselves to the left of incumbent Democrats are slamming lawmakers for weakening the state’s climate law.
The progressive candidates, including Democratic socialists, say the Legislature shouldn’t have rolled back the targets in the landmark 2019 law. Some lawmakers facing left-flank challengers say they fought Gov. Kathy Hochul’s push to delay requirements to start reducing emissions, while at least one embraced the changes as a realistic reset.
Environmental activists disheartened by the changes to the climate law this session are hoping for some primary victories to provide momentum for more action on environmental issues next year in Albany. Progressive challengers, even if they don’t win, can influence incumbent lawmakers to embrace more aggressive, left-leaning policies.
“There ought to be a real political price for gutting the climate law,” said Alex Beauchamp, northern region director for Food and Water Watch. “It’s a really bad vote for anybody with a contested primary.”
