ALBANY, New York — Lawmakers returned to their districts this month with few significant environmental wins to campaign on — the latest sign that reducing emissions and achieving climate law mandates remain elusive.
Upon concluding its annual session this month, the Legislature failed to pass any major elements of the state’s plan to slash emissions 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Elected officials left the Capitol without acting on sweeping bills to reduce plastic packaging, begin plans to transition buildings off gas and mitigate vehicle traffic.
And their inaction will have political consequences.
A new climate-focused independent expenditure fund plans to spend about $20,000 opposing two Assembly Democrats and backing their progressive challengers as a result.
