Gov. Kathy Hochul considers green activists red.
The governor blindsided environmentalists by delaying a controversial “cap-and-invest” program that critics warned would raise the price of gas and home heating oil.
Activists complained that Mr. Hochul ignored a promise made two years ago to tax fossil fuel companies on carbon pollution and use the proceeds to fund green energy efforts in the Empire State.
“Two years ago, Governor Hochul committed to cap-and-invest as part of New York State's climate change strategy,” New York state environmental advocacy groups said in a statement Wednesday. This is the day after the postponement was announced in a speech.
“The foundations have been laid,” the statement added.
“And yesterday, she told us that delays are expected to be at least another year, jeopardizing years of collaboration and planning by experts, state agencies, and the public.”
The program is a key component of New York State's plan to help meet the state's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050.
“Governor. Hochul is proposing additional time for a program that has already gone through multiple rounds of outreach and engagement,” the statement said. “New York State is ready to move forward. The only thing holding us back is Governor Hochul's hesitation.”
The delay in implementing a sweeping “cap and investment” program comes after the city of Hochul imposed an unpopular $9 congestion charge before entering Manhattan.
Last month, Hochul introduced controversial legislation that would force oil, natural gas and coal companies to pay the country a staggering $75 billion for carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. Approved. Critics worry that the extra costs will be passed on to consumers, with one analysis estimating that gas pump prices could rise by 12 cents a gallon in just one year. There is.
While defending the delay, Hochul called on the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority to collect more data on emissions sources and develop new rules for the cap-and-invest program.
“This is a very complex program. We have to get it right,” the governor said Wednesday.
Hochul also blamed the program's slow progress on a lack of data.
“Before we can solve the problem, we also have to measure the pollution,” the governor said, noting that he is funding a number of green energy initiatives.
Climate change activists did not accept Hochul's explanation.
“At a time when states should be taking the lead on climate action, New York is taking a step back,” said Kate Courtin, senior manager at the Environmental Defense Fund.
“By continuing to cap-and-invest, Governor Hochul is delaying the benefits New Yorkers want: cleaner air, lower utility bills, and more resilient communities,” Cotin continued. “Meanwhile, the costs of climate-induced disasters, such as excessive flooding and severe storms, will continue to rise.”
Business and consumer advocates welcomed the delay.
“The Governor should have recognized that the additional costs New Yorkers pay at the pump, heat, and grocery stores are simply not in line with his demands to make New York more affordable.” said Justin Wilcox, executive director. Upstate United.
But Heather Mulligan, president of the NYS Business Council, said businesses are “still monitoring the unidentified costs of cap and investment and CLCPA.” [Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act]”
“The business community, especially the state's small employers and consumers, need relief from policies that increase the cost of doing business and living in New York. We hope the Governor and Legislature get that message. I hope you will,” she said.
