"N.Y. Governor Walks Back Push to ‘Weaken’ Climate Law After Uproar"

"Gov. Kathy Hochul had proposed revising the state’s landmark 2019 law in an effort to reduce costs for state residents."

"Under pressure from scientists, environmentalists and lawmakers, Gov. Kathy Hochul backed off on Wednesday from a proposal to rewrite the state’s landmark climate law — an effort that her critics said would have fundamentally undermined the measure.

Speaking to reporters in Albany on Wednesday afternoon, state officials said that the administration would not prioritize the proposal in the state budget, which is now under negotiation, but would continue to pursue it and other initiatives that would make the transition to a green economy affordable for New Yorkers.

“We’re focusing on the environment, making sure that we have affordability embedded into our nation-leading climate change initiatives, which I’m very proud of,” Ms. Hochul told reporters on Wednesday."

Grace Ashford and Dana Rubinstein report for the New York Times April 5, 2023.

Source: NYTimes, 04/06/2023