The deep pocketed propaganda machine bankrolled by the fossil fuel industry and its allies has been running non-stop through the summer.\u00a0 Their latest effort attempts to exploit New Yorkers\u2019 legitimate concerns over energy prices to advance their plan to undermine the state\u2019s climate law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First some background: The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act<\/a> (\u201cClimate Law\u201d) was approved six years ago and sets the state on a path toward \u201cnet zero\u201d greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of this Century. The \u201cnet zero\u201d goal is consistent with the <\/a>standard<\/a> set by the world\u2019s climate scientists \u2013 who have warned that in order to avoid the worst consequences of global heating, all nations need to adhere to the net zero goal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n New York\u2019s Climate Law set interim goals<\/a> designed to guide policymakers as benchmark steps to meet the targets advised by the world\u2019s climate experts. Those interim <\/a>goals commit the state to generate 70 percent of its electricity from renewable power sources and achieve a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 \u2013 just five years from now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the Climate Law was passed the state convened a panel of \u201cstakeholders\u201d to develop a detailed blueprint<\/a> to meet the law\u2019s milestone goals. That blueprint was <\/a>released at the end of 2022. Among its findings was that unless measures were taken, New Yorkers faced a considerable <\/a>financial risk from climate-change impacts. The blueprint estimated<\/a> \u201cthe cost of inaction in New York State exceeding the cost of action by more than $115 billion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we have experienced in recent weeks, New Yorkers are already paying dearly for climate damages. This summer, Canadian wildfires<\/a> have polluted the air leading to seemingly non-stop air quality warnings<\/a>. And it\u2019s not just our health: The state is already spending billions<\/a> to cover the costs of damages caused by a worsening planet and to protect from storms to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Big-ticket spending to address climate problems is expected to be the norm over the coming decades. Here are some examples: Recent estimates put the price tags at $52 billion<\/a> to protect NYC Harbor, $100 billion<\/a> to upgrade NYC\u2019s sewers to handle more intense storms, $75-$100 billion<\/a> to protect Long Island, and $55 billion<\/a> for climate costs outside of New York City. The state Comptroller has predicted<\/a> that more than half of local governments\u2019 costs will be attributable to the climate crisis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Preparing for and dealing with those climate disasters has been a cornerstone for energy policy in New York. Actions by the state will not only protect New Yorkers but can also benefit the world. While New York\u2019s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is small relative to the global total, New York is one of the world\u2019s leading economies<\/a>. As a result, having aggressive science-based energy policies here can have impacts at the state, national, and international levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the mounting evidence and the need for global \u2013 including New York \u2013 action, a well-funded backlash has been organized to erode public support for New York\u2019s science-based climate goals. Opponents have been rallying around the call<\/a> for a more \u201caffordable\u201d energy policy, one that \u2013 not surprisingly \u2013 calls for a weakening of the Climate Law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Opponents are arguing<\/a> that it is the Climate Law that is making New York\u2019s electricity rates too high, all in an effort to block \u2013 or at least slow down \u2013 action in New York. This campaign is just the latest in the decades-long efforts to block climate protection policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some opponents have argued that New York\u2019s science-based goals are simply too ambitious. If so, then other states would be in the same situation. But that is not the case. For example, New York ranks<\/a> 16th in the nation in its reliance on renewable energy. Obviously, there is room to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New York\u2019s residential electricity rates are high, however, relative to the nation\u2019s. But that has been true for years. For example in 2018 \u2013 the year before the state climate law was signed \u2013 New York\u2019s residential electricity rates were ranked<\/a> the seventh-highest in the nation. In 2025, New York was ranked<\/a> eighth highest. Still high to be sure, but the impact of the Climate Law\u2019s passage didn\u2019t make a meaningful difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, the amount of energy generated<\/a> by wind and solar is a very small percentage of the electricity generated in the state (under 10%). How could such a small percentage substantially power increases in electricity costs? It can\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New York does have a problem of high utility rates, one shared<\/a> by its neighbors in the northeast. That problem, however, is a long-standing one and one that requires a structural change to better protect consumers, not one that undermines its Climate Law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is one thing that Governor Hochul can do right away to help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n