Legislators Urge Enforcement of Controversial Green Energy Law in New York
Seventeen current and former lawmakers are pressing Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration to enforce the state’s divisive green energy legislation, even admitting that they understood the mandate could lead to increased energy expenses when it was approved.
This unexpected revelation came in a court brief dated April 17, which backs a lawsuit filed by climate change activists.
Environmental advocates, alarmed by what they see as an unrealistic deadline, argue that the law could result in soaring utility bills and an influx of ratepayers. They have taken legal action to compel the Hochul administration to adhere to the commitments outlined in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
The brief suggests that the law’s architects were fully aware its implementation would be costly. It states, “The language of this law confirms that economic considerations are incorporated into its framework.” It also recognizes that transitioning to a more sustainable energy economy might disproportionately affect various sectors.
Activist lawmakers, in their filing, acknowledged that the legislation carries a “risk of job losses” and could negatively affect small businesses. However, they insist that the state Department of Environmental Protection should strive to minimize costs for everyday New Yorkers.
“Generally, this obligation does not, as DEC suggests, instruct agencies to completely avoid costs associated with climate action,” they clarified. “Instead, it mandates that DEC manage and mitigate those expenses while aiming to meet the law’s emissions reduction targets.”
The brief garnered signatures from several prominent figures, including Senate Health Committee Chairman Gustavo Rivera and Assembly Housing Committee Chairman Linda Rosenthal, alongside Democratic Socialist Party of America members.
The lawsuit aims to compel the Hochul administration to enforce the law rather than delay compliance. A state Supreme Court judge recently directed Hochul to implement the legislation, but the administration has appealed this ruling while seeking amendments to the proclamation.
Meanwhile, business and consumer advocacy groups have sharply criticized the lawmakers’ court brief, calling it “misplaced.” Justin Wilcox, executive director of Upstate United, characterized the brief as “unconscionable,” emphasizing the burden it would place on families already grappling with rising costs.
“These lawmakers are effectively advocating for new energy and transportation expenses, which could be detrimental to many struggling families,” he remarked.
Ken Lovett, a senior communications advisor for the governor, shifted the blame for rising costs onto the federal government, asserting that “we cannot expect struggling New Yorkers to shoulder higher costs.”
“Although we won’t comment on ongoing litigation, Governor Hochul is aware of the necessity for practical legislative adjustments to keep energy costs manageable for all New Yorkers,” Lovett noted. “While some may overlook the economic and political hurdles we face, the governor remains focused on serving the people of New York.”
A recent report from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority warns that without adjustments, the law could raise gasoline prices by $2.23 per gallon by 2031. It predicts that natural gas costs could spike to $2,300 annually for New York City households, exceeding $4,000 for those upstate. The report concludes that the state would only be able to mitigate a fraction of these costs.
