Combat the Climate Crisis

There is no doubt that the climate crisis is here.

We are increasingly subjected to extreme heat waves, more intense storms, catastrophic flooding, roaring wildfires, withering droughts, hazardous air pollution, and serious health consequences. NYPIRG is working to ensure that New York continues to lead the country (and even the world) when it comes to tackling our greatest environmental threat.

With the impacts of climate devastation adding up, New York State enacted the trailblazing Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which establishes goals of net zero greenhouse gas emissions in New York by 2050, and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Even sooner, by 2030, the law mandates interim targets of 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of all New York’s electricity coming from renewable sources.

2030 is fast approaching. Any delay will mean more deaths, human suffering, and staggering costs from climate-related damages. New York has the tools, know-how, and policy proposals to be a national and global leader with the implementation of the landmark CLCPA, but...

The time to act is NOW!

End Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Science shows that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels drive the climate crisis and pollute communities — meanwhile, that industry reaps unprecedented profits.

In the past year, global temperatures have broken records, yet so have profits among the West’s largest privately held oil companies.

New York financially incentivizes destructive fossil fuels, exempting the industry from $1.6 billion of Sales and Use Tax and Petroleum Business Tax every year. This tax was first introduced for infrastructure funding in 1983, but since then the industry has wielded its influence to maintain these tax breaks and inflate profits. With our state now facing a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit, it is time to rethink these handouts. Repealing fossil fuel industry tax subsidies will help close the budget gap and signal our opposition to the industry that is a lynchpin in the climate crisis and aggravates environmental injustices.

The Stop Climate Polluter Handouts Act amends the tax code to remove over $330 million in tax handouts to the climate-polluting fossil fuel industry. It pinpoints incentives that benefit the highest polluting fuels and their most unreasonable uses, including high-emission commercial airline fuel and low-grade shipping "bunker" fuel, the operation of fracked gas infrastructure, industry research and development, and more. The Act preserves tax breaks that benefit the public, so the average lower- and middle-income New Yorker will not be significantly impacted, and job losses are not expected.

New York needs the Stop Climate Polluter Handouts Act in order to...

1. Stop incentivizing fossil fuels: Tax breaks should go to businesses offering public benefits, not to the wealthiest industry that causes mounting harm. Yet global fossil fuel subsidies have surged to $7 trillion annually, far higher than those for clean energy. We thereby give climate polluters the green light to keep up their destructive activity.

2. Stop inflating industry profits: Fossil fuels are one of the most profitable industries in the world, raking in $3 billion a day with profits that doubled from 2021 to 2022. Taxpayer money should not be used to further inflate industry profits.

3. Protect people and communities: Intensifying heat waves, floods, and storms already wreak havoc across the state, with disproportionate impacts on low-income areas and communities of color. We must stop incentivizing the polluters that exacerbate environmental injustices.

4. Strengthen the state budget: Repealing these handouts will help balance our state’s budget and reduce any deficits. The Act would save over $330 million in annual revenue.

5. Reach Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goals: Fossil fuel subsidies are outdated fiscal incentives, are misaligned with the CLCPA, and jeopardize our ability to reach legally mandated targets — a 100% renewable power sector and a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. To reach CLCPA goals, we must stop relying on fossil fuels, and a key step is to stop subsidizing them.

6. End unjust/inequitable airline subsidies: Airlines are subsidized with over $119 million a year, all while posing major environmental justice violations to communities surrounding commercial airports. Aviation subsidies inequitably benefit the small group of high earners who comprise the majority of frequent flyers — just 12% of adults account for 68% of flights. Federal rules designate aviation as "non-obligated," preventing New York from capping its emissions. New York must take action where it can by ending these subsidies.

Climate policy is popular with New York voters.

Voters in New York State supported the 2022 Bond Act and Environmental Bill of Rights in large numbers. Voters nationwide support ending fossil fuel subsidies by a 24-point margin.

NY HEAT Act

The New York Home Energy Affordable Transition (HEAT) Act will cap utility bills and stop the mandatory expansion of dirty fossil fuels.

All New Yorkers deserve safe, reliable, affordable home heating and cooling and a livable future for our families. Millions of state residents currently struggle to pay escalating energy bills, and New York's outdated utility laws are preventing the transition off of dangerous and expensive fossil fuels to efficient and clean heat.

The NY HEAT Act offers a solution by aligning gas utility laws with the state's trailblazing Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. It will help customers switch to zero-greenhouse gas emissions heating and cooling, and ensure affordability by capping energy bills for all customers at no more than 6% of income, avoiding billions of dollars in new gas infrastructure investments, and investing in energy-saving home improvements. The NY HEAT Act will lower utility bills, fight climate change, and support green jobs and healthy homes.

Local Law 97

Local Law 97 of 2019 is New York City’s world-leading climate and jobs law.

It is already a huge success, producing better-than-expected compliance results: 92% of large buildings are now in compliance as large  building owners upgrade to high energy efficiency — and save money in the process.

NYPIRG continues to monitor the implementation of this law, from fighting back against bills that would weaken the law (Intro 772 of 2024), to supporting new legislation that would close loopholes that allow landlords to buy their way into compliance instead of upgrading their buildings to high energy efficiency and lower pollution (Intro 1180 of 2025).

Bucks for Boilers

Switching from polluting fossil fuel heating systems to clean, efficient heat pumps is an important step that New Yorkers can take in order to reach our urgent climate goals.

Starting in 2030 for smaller buildings and 2035 for larger ones, the Bucks for Boilers Act will help facilitate this transition by providing up-front financing to make the switch and phase out new oil- and gas-fueled boilers at the most logical time — when their current boiler dies and the system needs replacement. The bill also provides the necessary subsidies, tied to strong labor standards, to repair and weatherize homes.

The Bucks for Boilers Act offers upfront full-coverage subsidies to low- and moderate-income households and a sliding scale for higher income individuals, so everyone benefits from this program.

NYPIRG and countless student and environmental rights advocates have fought tirelessly over the past five decades to ensure that public officials prioritize public health over special interests. Bucks for Boilers puts money in people's pockets to make their homes healthier and upgrade their property value and overall quality of life, doing exactly this.

Electric Lawn Care Equipment

Gasoline-powered lawn care equipment — such as leaf blowers, weed whackers, and lawn mowers — have a significant negative impact on workers, communities, and the environment.

According to the Respiratory Health Association, “engines on gas-powered leaf blowers create air pollution that can cause significant impact to the lungs. A combination of chemicals that contribute to ground-level ozone, as well as fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) can be inhaled by people using the equipment, as well as people nearby. Even short-term exposure to particle pollution and ozone-forming chemicals generated by the machines have been proven to cause or contribute to health concerns.” New Yorkers have been exposed to these health threats. In an October 2023 report, New York ranked third in the country for fine particulate emissions from lawn equipment, and fourth in the nation for carbon dioxide emissions.

Electric equipment, on the other hand... 
  • Is lighter and quieter.
  • Has lower maintenance costs.
  • Has a significantly smaller environmental footprint.
  • Is better for workers' health, particularly after sustained use over long periods of time.

NYPIRG supports legislation that, while not banning the use of gas-powered equipment, would establish financial incentives to encourage the adoption of electric lawn care equipment through point-of-sale rebates.

NYPIRG has joined with over 100 environmental, public health, and community organizations from across New York calling for the swift passage of the legislation. And recently six important businesses joined the effort, ChargeBot, EGO, Home Depot, Live Sust, Serenity, and Stihl.

Take Climate Action

Tell your New York State Assemblymember to include these two critical climate bills in the state budget:
1. NY HEAT Act (A.4870A/S.4158)
2. Stop Climate Polluter Handouts Act (A.3675/S.3606)

New Yorkers are facing the dual threat of climate and energy affordability crises. As lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement on New York's FY 2026 state budget, the time to make your voice heard and have a major impact on these urgent issues is right now. The New York State Senate has already supported many of these climate policies, but the Assembly needs to hear from you!

*Use NYPIRG’s Representative Finder to find your New York State Assemblymember and get their contact information.

Sample message:

Hello Assemblymember __________. As your constituent, I ask you to urge Assembly leadership to include these two critical climate bills in the state budget: The NY HEAT Act (A.4870A/S.4158) will cap utility bills and stop the mandatory expansion of dirty fossil fuels. The Stop Climate Polluter Handouts Act (A.3675/S.3606) will alleviate roughly $330 million from New York’s donation to the polluting fossil fuel industry through our tax expenditures. I am counting on you to protect New York's environment and consumers by fighting for this legislation. Thank you.

Find and contact your New York State Assemblymember today thank you for your help!

Events & Activities

When: 11 AM
Where: 140 Broadway, New York, NY 10005
NYPIRG will rally with Council Members Carmen De La Rosa and Lincoln Restler in support of a bill to close a dangerous landlord loophole in Local Law 97, New York City's nation-leading local jobs and climate law!

In February, De La Rosa and Restler introduced Intro 1180, legislation to close a loophole created by Mayor Eric Adams at the behest of the real estate lobby.

This loophole allows building owners to buy their way out of reducing their pollution by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits in place of cutting about 50% of the greenhouse gases that they produce. This defeats the purpose of Local Law 97, which is already setting an example for the nation for how to lower energy bills, create good jobs, and reduce air pollution while helping meet our urgent climate goals.

At the event, we will showcase two buildings near each other in Lower Manhattan: One is well on its way to becoming energy efficient, while the other is in danger of continuing to waste energy, endangering our health and environment.

We hope that you can join us to call for clean air and lower bills for all New Yorkers!
When: 12 PM
Where: City Hall Steps, City Hall Park in Manhattan

NYPIRG and our coalition partners held an Earth Day rally in support of the NY HEAT Act!

The NY HEAT Act is the top climate priority of New York’s environmental movement, with its promise of lower energy bills while eliminating massive subsidies to the fracked gas industry. As New Yorkers contend with the threats of climate change and rising costs of living, the rally highlighted the need for making energy more affordable while moving off of fossil fuels.

The event featured the NY HEAT Act’s lead sponsors in the New York State Legislature, Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, along with other elected officials.

When: 6 to 7:30 PM
Where: Parkchester Library (1985 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462)

NYPIRG organized a townhall to show support for our nation-leading climate and jobs law, Local Law 97, and to learn about all of its successes, threats, and opportunities!

Now more than ever, New York needs to protect New Yorkers, and that means fighting climate change. The real estate industry and big money do not like it, but we know we cannot wait for climate action to protect our communities. New York City deserves reduced air pollution, more jobs, and lower utility bills!

When: 12 PM
Where: Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Office Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501
The NY HEAT Act will lower energy bills while fighting climate change, eliminating massive ratepayer subsidies for new fracked gas infrastructure.

The event was held on the eve of a National Grid rate hike going into effect on April 1, further raising our bills while pouring more money into maintaining our reliance on fossil fuels.

With a dangerous “drill, baby, drill” agenda at the federal level, it is essential that New York shows the nation what climate leadership looks like!

Co-sponsors included Long Island Progressive Coalition, All Our Energy, Food & Water Watch, Working Families Party of Nassau County, New York Communities for Change, and NYPIRG

When: 10 AM
Where: Syracuse

It's time for cleaner heat and lower bills!
NYPIRG and our allies held a news conference outside of Governor Hochul's Central New York regional office urging her to become a climate leader and include the NY HEAT Act in the final state budget.
When: All day
Where: Albany
NYPIRG and our coalition partners mobilized to demand that the New York State Legislature passes the NY HEAT Act in the state budget for cleaner heat and lower bills!

When: All day
Where: Albany

NYPIRG, TREEage, and NY Renews came together from across the state to take action for the FUND Climate Campaign, Green Healthy Schools, and the NY HEAT Act! The Youth Day of Climate Action included meeting with our state representatives, rallying, art-making, performances, and more.

When: 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Where: The New York Society for Ethical Culture (2 West 64th Street, New York, NY 10023)

We met the candidates running for New York City mayor!

Staff and students from across the city represented NYPIRG at our New York City Mayoral Candidate Forum, where attendees heard from five candidates for mayor (Scott Stringer, Jessica Ramos, Zellnor Myrie, Zohran Mamdani, and Brad Lander) who all answered questions on climate, jobs, and justice issues, such as reducing pollution, improving mass transit, and working to protect New Yorkers from the worst effects of climate change. With the federal administration in the pocket of the oil and gas companies, it is more important than ever for our top local elected officials to take major action!

When: 10:30 AM to 4 PM
Where: Albany

Pass the NY HEAT Act!

NYPIRG, Renewable Heat Now, and allied groups called on the New York State Legislature to pass the NY HEAT Act in the budget for cleaner heat and lower bills! We told our reps that climate action and energy affordability cannot wait.

When: 12:30 PM
Where: City Hall in Manhattan

Despite frigid temperatures, NYPIRG gathered with fellow environmental activists to demand that New York City councilmembers protect Local Law 97!

With the nation-leading climate law under attack, it is more important than ever to ensure full implementation of our green new deal for buildings — the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City. LL97 is already creating thousands of new jobs, lowering our utility bills, and improving the air that we breathe.

When: 12 to 1 PM
Where: Governor Hochul's New York City Office (919 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022)

Now is the time to MAKE POLLUTERS PAY!

NYPIRG and our allies rallied outside of Governor Hochul's New York City office and urged her to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act to protect New York taxpayers by making the world's biggest, richest oil companies pay their fair share for climate-related damages.

When: All day
Where: New York State Capitol in Albany

Now is the time to MAKE POLLUTERS PAY!

NYPIRG and our coalition partners rallied to urge Governor Hochul to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act to make Big Oil — not New York taxpayers — pay for climate-related damages.

When: Times vary by location
Where: Locations across New York State

At events across the state (Buffalo, Albany, and Kingston pictured). NYPIRG and the Renewable Heat Now! coalition pushed Governor Hochul to take bold and decisive action to protect New Yorkers from pro-fossil fuel mandates and high energy costs by passing the NY HEAT Act for cleaner heat and lower bills.

When: 10 AM
Where: City Hall in Manhattan

NYPIRG and our coalition partners held a rally and lobby day in support of fully implementing New York City's Local Law 97!
Local Law 97 is already fulfilling its potential to create jobs, cut air pollution, and reduce energy bills — all while helping us meet our urgent climate goals — but a New York City Council bill has been introduced which could gut Local Law 97. We urged council members to oppose Intro 772, proposed legislation that would gut Local Law 97 by undermining enforcement of the law and effectively exempting thousands of large co-ops and condo buildings from its requirements.
 
When: 12 PM
Where: Outside of the governor's Manhattan office (633 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016)

NYPIRG, our coalition partners, and author/environmentalist Bill McKibben delivered over 127,000 petition signatures to Governor Hochul urging her to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act into law to make Big Oil — not New York taxpayers — pay for climate damages!

When: 6:30 PM
Where: The New York Society for Ethical Culture Concert Hall

It is time to hold our leaders accountable – in person!

Governor Hochul's cancellation of congestion pricing and the New York State Assembly's failure to pass vital bills are a climate disaster. To address this, NYPIRG and a broad coalition of organizations sponsored a town hall-style forum to question top elected leaders about the accelerating climate crisis, which was attended by hundreds of New Yorkers. Experts explained the issues, and then we put our questions to the state- and city-level officials in attendance.

We Need Your Support to Win

To combat the powerful oil and gas lobby, New Yorkers must let their leaders know in no uncertain terms that they support strong climate policies.

NYPIRG has a vast network of tens of thousands of community supporters and college student volunteers, and we will continue to activate this powerful statewide network on this critical issue — sharing opportunities for public comments, social media days of action, call-in drives, media events, community meetings, and more. That is where you come in…

Winning on all of this — along with our continued work on recycling and waste reduction, public health, government reform, consumer and voting rights, higher education, mass transit, and more — will only be possible if we have the grassroots support that we need to go up against the politically powerful. Your help will be essential as we take on the polluters, well-heeled lobbyists, and those public officials who put their own interests ahead of the public interest.

Please support our crucial efforts to combat the climate crisis:
Thank you for your support!
Albany's trash problem  (WAMC, April 28, 2025)
Sun shines for 4th annual ‘Earth Fest’  (WBNG, April 27, 2025)
New York lawmakers push for doubling deposit for cans, bottles in effort to reduce litter  (The Times-Herald Record, April 25, 2025)
Earth Day report: Bigger, better bottle bill push  (WSYR, April 22, 2025)
Budget policy negotiations see progress  (MyTwinTiers.com, April 25, 2025)
Renewed push for doubled bottle deposit in NY: Will it save money and curb litter?  (LoHud.com, April 24, 2025)
It's Earth Day. It's time for New York to talk some serious trash  (LoHud.com, April 22, 2025)
Report: New York's "Bottle Bill" Could Save Municipalities Millions If Modernized  (Fox 40 Binghamton, April 22, 2025)
Earth Day report: New York’s Bigger, better bottle bill  (ABC News 10, April 22, 2025)
100+ groups endorse New York's electric landscaping equipment rebate program legislation  (CBS News 6, April 22, 2025)
Earth Day report: Bigger, better bottle bill push  (WETM, April 22, 2025)
Taking on health care costs  (WAMC, April 21, 2025)
‘I feel a little bit jealous': Former Gov. Paterson praises Heastie as Pataki praises Hochul on state budget maneuvers  (Spectrum News, April 16, 2025)
New Yorkers don't need a $3B tax hike. Protect the Climate Change Superfund Act  (LoHud.com, April 15, 2025)
NYS officials won't alter climate change policies despite Trump executive order  (Newsday, April 15, 2025)
Student advocates for legislation allowing upstate tenants to sue landlords in local courts  (Pipe Dream, April 13, 2025)
State budget unlikely to be finished before end of month  (City & State, April 14, 2025)
While Albany sleeps, Trump acts  (WAMC, April 14, 2025)
Power and Politics, Blair Horner discusses late state budget  (CBS News 6, April 12, 2025)
'A learning experience': Freshmen state lawmakers weigh in on Albany's closed-door budget process  (Spectrum News, April 11, 2025)
News Archive
Reconnecting Queens: Students Lead the Charge for Subway Expansion at QueensLink Town Hall
More than 100 students, faculty, and community members gathered at Queens College for a town hall spotlighting the QueensLink proposal — a community-driven plan to transform the defunct Rockaway Beach Branch into a new north-south subway line through Queens. Hosted by NYPIRG, the event featured interactive stations, personal storytelling, and direct engagement with project leaders. With Queens residents facing some of the city's longest and most unreliable commutes, attendees voiced strong support for the plan’s potential to connect transit-starved neighborhoods, slash travel times, and foster sustainable growth. Student organizers emphasized the importance of community voices in shaping transit policy, especially as QueensLink clears key funding hurdles and gains political momentum.
CITING A NEW POLL, ENVIRONMENTALISTS URGE ACTION ON PACKAGING AND "BOTTLE BILL" LEGISLATION A coalition of environmental groups today reacted to a new Siena Poll released today that shows that New York residents overwhelmingly support state policies to reduce single-use plastic packaging in New York. Seventy-three percent think big companies should be required to reduce packaging on their products, as proposed in the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. And 61% want the beverage container deposit increased from 5 to 10 cents, as proposed in the Bigger Better Bottle Bill.
NEW REPORT SHOWS THAT NY TAXPAYERS COULD SAVE TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IF BIGGER, BETTER, BOTTLE BILL IS PASSED New York’s local governments could save tens of millions of dollars if lawmakers approved legislation to modernize the state’s “Bottle Bill.” That’s according to a new report released by a coalition of environmental, civic, labor and business organizations.
The report, produced by the think tank Eunomia, found that the state’s local governments could save as much as $108 million if lawmakers approved the “Bigger Better Bottle Bill,” legislation designed to modernize the four-decade-old law. The state’s Bottle Bill is the law that requires a nickel deposit for certain beverage containers and is redeemed when the consumer brings the container back to the store.
NYPIRG STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE ORDER SEEKING TO OVERTURN NEW YORK’S CLIMATE CHANGE SUPERFUND ACT
EXECUTIVE ORDER MEANS A $3 BILLION TAB FOR ALL NEW YORK TAXPAYERS TO SHIELD BIG OIL
President Trump yesterday signed an executive order that, among other things, attempts to overturn New York’s landmark Climate Change Superfund Act. The Act was approved to mitigate the costs to state taxpayers resulting from the damage caused by the ongoing climate catastrophe.
AS STATE SENATE PASSES ELECTRIC LAWN EQUIPMENT REBATE BILL WITH BIPARTISAN SUPPORT, 100 GROUPS ENDORSE PROPOSAL
Public health, environmental, and community groups call on state legislature to pass S1574/A2657 to promote transition from gas-powered lawn equipment to electric
As lawmakers consider the governor’s proposed higher education budget, NYPIRG today released a policy paper, “Promises made, promises broken.” The paper examined higher education policies which undermined the finances of public colleges and colleges in the independent sector.
REPORT AND NEWS RELEASE: Examining Delays in the Small Claims Courts Throughout New York State and Recommendations for Reform
NYPIRG applauds the decision by the New York State Court of Appeals to uphold the constitutionality of the state’s ethics and lobbying law and reject the separation of powers arguments advanced by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
NYPIRG RELEASES NATIONAL DATA SHOWING NEW YORK’S HOSPITALS RANK BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE IN TERMS OF QUALITY OF CARE
NEW YORK RANKED 34TH IN THE NATION IN TERMS OF QUALITY OF CARE IN HOSPITALS
Utah ranked first in the nation, according to The LeapFrog Group’s Fall 2024 report. New York ranked well behind Connecticut (3), New Jersey (5), California (6), Pennsylvania (9), Florida (13), and Massachusetts (23).
New York has consistently ranked in the bottom third of the nation.
NEWS RELEASE: Governor Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation approved the Title V Air Permit application submitted by Iroquois ExC to expand the gas compressor stations in the Town of Athens and the Town of Dover, exposing Hudson Valley residents to increased air pollution and higher risks of gas line explosions.
Release: National data showing New York’s voter participation rate dropped to lowest level since 2004. New York ranked 43rd in the nation in terms of voter registration.
NYPIRG analysis released: Modernization of the state's Bottle Deposit Law would generate nearly $100 million more than it does now in the first year of implementation, revenues that can be used to invest in the state’s flagging recycling efforts and to improve its administration
NYPIRG Reacts to Executive Budget
The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) today announced that effective January 1, 2025, Megan Ahearn is its new Executive Director. Ms. Ahearn previously served as NYPIRG’s Program Director overseeing NYPIRG’s community and campus policy work. Ms. Ahearn succeeds Blair Horner and will be NYPIRG’s eighth Executive Director in its 50-plus year existence. Horner will remain on NYPIRG’s staff as its Senior Policy Advisor, primarily focusing on state government advocacy.
MAJOR VICTORY: Governor Hochul signs the Climate Change Superfund Act into law! This New York action moves the issue to the forefront in the nation to MAKE POLLUTERS PAY.

Governor Hochul and key members of the state’s legislative leadership announced an agreement to approve the Climate Change Superfund Act. New York will become the second state in the nation to hold the largest Big Oil companies accountable for costs resulting from the worsening climate catastrophe.
NYPIRG Straphangers Campaign Statement on MTA Decision to Approve Transit Fare Hike in 2025
NYPIRG joined elected officials and environmental advocates to rally for the Climate Change Superfund Act in the wake of unprecedented climate catastrophes in New York. Governor Hochul only has until the end of the year to sign legislation that makes polluters, not taxpayers, pay for climate disaster repairs and resilience.
After Relaunching Congestion Pricing, Signing the Climate Change Superfund Act Is Next on Gov’s To-Do List
NYPIRG Straphangers Campaign Statement on Governor Hochul's decision to implement Congestion Pricing
Press Release: Bus Riders March for Faster Buses on Flatbush Avenue; Call on Mayor and City to Get it Done
Reports & Features Archive