It’s easy to Do Something when economic conditions are good, eh?
Why New York Has Backed Off on Addressing Climate Change
New York was once considered a groundbreaker on addressing climate change, with a law that promised to all but eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Gas-guzzling cars and oil-burning heaters and furnaces would be relics of a fossil-fuel past, and all the electricity in the state would come from carbon-free sources. But Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat who is facing an affordability crisis and rising energy demand, has slowed progress on climate issues. I talked with Hilary Howard, who covers climate change and the environment in the New York region, for an assessment.
Why do climate activists — and some of Hochul’s fellow Democrats — say that her focus on affordability is undermining the state’s climate goals?
Governor Hochul, who is navigating a shaky economy and surging power demand, has adopted an “all of the above” approach to energy, which has included new nuclear and natural gas initiatives. This is in response to President Trump’s cancellation of several renewable energy projects in New York. Hochul’s idea is that having abundant and varied amounts of energy will keep down consumers’ costs.
But, I thought all the leftists in NY would be thrilled to deal with high prices in order to save the planet. No?
Under the climate law you mentioned, New York is supposed to eliminate nearly all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. That was an ambitious goal when it was set six years ago. Is it achievable now?
The first goal, a 40 percent reduction in emissions by 2030, is running between six and eight years late, according to the state. So far, emissions have been reduced by about 10 percent. Four years are left. Meeting that goal is not looking promising.
Bummer. NY and Hochul just need to crack down, because the majority of New Yorkers voted to do this. They need to suck it up.
Reality bites, doesn’t it?
By the way, the site has started really slowing down again.