Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is defending her decision to walk back New York’s carbon emissions targets, telling POLITICO the state is committed to fighting climate change but that it cannot hit its near-term goals while keeping energy affordable for residents.
The changes Hochul enacted to New York’s climate law earlier this year generated fierce pushback from environmental activists who said the state “cannot afford to wait” for more action, with some alleging Hochul did not even attempt to meet the original goals.
Asked in an interview on POLITICO’s Energy podcast whether she was ignoring climate action in favor of a slower, more practical approach to clean energy, Hochul pushed back.
“If you think we’re doing nothing in New York, I encourage you to look at where we are in relation to other states,” she said. “Please do not question my credentials in this space.”
