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!

Halt Energy Hog AI Data Centers

Across the country, and right here in New York, proposals to build massive data centers are popping up. During Earth Week in April, NYPIRG and our climate allies gathered together for a five-stop statewide “Energy Hog” bus tour calling on the state to crack down on AI data centers and other energy-intensive infrastructure.

AI (“artificial intelligence”) data centers run many supercomputers that require a tremendous amount of energy, zapping electricity from the public grid. And they can generate persistent, terrible noise, and other pollution. Left unregulated, these energy hogs could lead to rising air pollution, industrial use of local clean water, and skyrocketing utility bills.

New York must act to rein in the unchecked expansion of data centers and protect our communities by...
  • Setting clear limits on where and how these mega-facilities can operate.
  • Ensuring that noise, air, and water pollution risks are mitigated.
  • Rejecting attempts to repower old fossil fuel power plants to serve these centers.
  • Providing for meaningful community input throughout the process.
TAKE ACTION: Call Governor Hochul at (518) 474-8390 and tell her to protect our communities from AI data centers!

Sample message:

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and my ZIP Code is [YOUR ZIP CODE]. I am calling to urge the Governor to support common-sense limits to the expansion of large-scale data centers, such as AI data centers and cryptomining facilities. Please protect our communities by ensuring that there is proper review of and public input on data center proposals, along with safeguards against the air, noise, and water pollution associated with these industrial sites. Thank you.

Thank you for your help!

Defend New York’s Climate Law

Governor Hochul recently unveiled a vague memo seemingly aiming to change New York’s seven-year-old Climate Law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The three-page document was devoid of any supporting analysis and was released after public budget hearings had concluded, and the Governor had not included the measure in her publicly-released budget plan. From our perspective, the Administration’s proposal was thrown into the budget “dance” to maximize the secrecy of what she intends.

We say: No rollbacks to the Climate Law!

While Governor Hochul has failed to take steps to implement the Climate Law, we know that fully implementing it would reduce utility bills, cut emissions, and create good, green jobs. NYPIRG and our climate allies argue that the consequences are too great for the Hochul Administration’s proposal to be jammed into last-minute budget negotiations. The Legislature should firmly reject the Governor’s move to roll back the Climate Law.

TAKE CLIMATE ACTION: Please call your New York State Senator and Assemblymember today!

*Use NYPIRG’s Representative Finder to find your state legislators and get their contact information.

Sample message:

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am a resident of [YOUR MUNICIPALITY], NY. I am calling to share my support for New York’s Climate Law. Volatile fossil fuel prices and infrastructure build-out are making our energy bills skyrocket and are harming our communities and public health. I urge you to tell the Governor to protect and implement New York’s 2019 Climate Law to reduce our bills, reduce air pollution, and save lives. Thank you.

Thank you for your help!

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 $1.8 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 $350 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 $350 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.

Protect New York State’s Climate Change Superfund Act

In response to the mounting costs resulting from worsening storms, flooding, and hotter temperatures, New York passed the Climate Change Superfund Act, a common-sense law that helps to minimize the impacts of those costs on state taxes.

It requires that major polluters like Exxon, Saudi Aramco, and BP for the first time pay for the cost of extreme weather. New York’s law shifts the financial burden from taxpayers to polluters.

Instead of respecting New York’s right to fight rising costs and protect taxpayers, some in Washington are trying to shut down the state law.  If Washington overturns the Climate Superfund law, taxpayers will have to pick up the entire cost, increasing taxes $3 billion annually.

That is why NYPIRG has joined with the Taxpayers for Fairness coalition in mobilizing New Yorkers to stand up and defend this law. There are lobbyists and insiders telling Congress that New York does not have the right to make its own decisions about who pays for damage done inside our state’s borders. Why? Because they want to make you pay instead of the oil companies most responsible for the pollution and the threat to homes, businesses, cities, and towns.

New York needs the Climate Change Superfund Act!

New York urgently needs the Climate Change Superfund Act to address the rising financial and human toll of the climate crisis, costs that are currently falling on taxpayers rather than the corporations most responsible for carbon pollution. Climate change is no longer a future threat — it is happening now. From hurricanes battering our shorelines, to severe flooding in the Hudson Valley, tornadoes in Western New York, and thick smoke from out-of-control wildfires, New Yorkers are facing the devastating effects of climate change. These events damage infrastructure, destroy homes and businesses, and harm public health, all of which cost billions of dollars in taxpayer money. Without a new funding source, these costs will continue to rise and strain the state’s budget. New Yorkers have the right to protect their communities and decide how we respond to the climate crisis. We cannot let Washington take that right away.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! Tell your congressional representatives, including New York’s U.S. Senators: Do what is right for New York — protect taxpayers and the Climate Change Superfund Act!

*Use NYPIRG’s Representative Finder to find your federal representatives and get their contact information.

Sample message:

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am a resident of [YOUR MUNICIPALITY], NY. I am asking [REPRESENTATIVE NAME] to support New York’s Climate Change Superfund law and to oppose any efforts by Congress or federal agencies to block it. This law makes sure that the polluters help pay $3 billion annually for the damage caused by climate change instead of putting the burden on taxpayers. It is fair, it is responsible, and it was passed right here in New York by our elected leaders. Washington should respect that and let our state make its own decisions. Overturning this common-sense law will result in New York taxpayers paying $3 billion more in taxes each year. Please do not let that happen. Thank you.

Thank you for your help!

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: 93% 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 282 of 2026), 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 159 of 2026).

J-51 is a property tax credit for renovating a residential apartment building to upgrade to high energy efficiency, including purchasing and installing energy-efficient heat pumps, set to expire in 2026. Governor Hochul has proposed a major upgrade for New York City buildings: expansion and extension of the J-51 tax credit through 2035. This program benefits middle and lower income co-op and condo owners, helping them retain their homes, build generational wealth, improve air quality, and create green jobs.

NYPIRG supports the Governor’s proposal to expand J-51 to cover most or even all of the costs of energy efficiency upgrades that may be necessary under Local Law 97, expand the scope of the program to cover about 50% of co-ops and condos by raising the per-unit property tax valuation, and the extension through 2035 that will allow owners to plan ahead with certainty. 

Heat Pumps for All

“Heat Pumps for All” would be a nation-leading program in New York City to help with the upfront costs of upgrading one- to two-family homes to clean, efficient heat pumps.

This initiative would help tackle the dual affordability and climate crises by saving working people money on heating and cooling and addressing the city’s top source of climate-heating pollution: energy use in buildings. An initial allocation of $10 million in the New York City budget to establish and implement a subsidy program would:

  • Make installing new heat pumps immediately financially attractive to any homeowner taking advantage of the subsidy. In addition to available state and utility subsidies, a city subsidy of about $10,000 per unit would mean homeowners would save money immediately on upfront costs of installing a better system. 
  • Attach labor standards to funding to create good jobs through union contractors.
  • Target one- to two-family homeowners, helping them invest in their property and increase their energy efficiency — thereby lowering their utility bills, improving their air quality, and increasing their ability to build generational wealth.

Large co-op and condo building owners currently benefit from the J-51 tax credit for energy efficiency, but no analogous program exists for small homeowners. A $10 million dollar allocation to start a “Heat Pumps for All” program would enable about 1,000 homeowners to upgrade fully from aging, dirty boilers to clean, modern HVAC, delivering highly tangible results.

NYPIRG urges the Mayor and the New York City Council to set up a $10 million initial allocation in the city budget to begin such a program and upgrade 1,000 homes in 2027.

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 joined with over 100 environmental, public health, and community organizations from across New York calling for the swift passage of legislation that addresses this issue. And seven important businesses have joined the effort: Broccolo, ChargeBot, EGO, Home Depot, Live Sust, Serenity, and Stihl.

Due to our advocacy, the legislation was passed by the New York State Senate and Assembly! Now it is up to Governor Hochul to sign the bill into law, so...

TAKE ACTION TODAY by contacting the Governor and telling her to sign bill S.1574-A/A.2657-A, which establishes rebate programs for landscaping companies and local governments to buy quieter, cleaner, battery-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers. Thank you!

Events & Activities
When: 12 PM
Where: City Hall Park in Manhattan

Dear Mayor Mamdani and City Council: New Yorkers want lower bills, good jobs, and clean air!

Buildings are New York City’s top source of climate-heating pollution — dirty oil and gas boilers harm our health and make our utility bills higher by keeping us hooked on volatile fossil fuels. We need the city’s leaders to help building owners and tenants by ending the installation of dirty, expensive oil and gas boilers and making clean, energy-efficient heat pumps affordable for all.

NYPIRG and our climate and affordability allies have collected thousands of petition signatures, so please join us as we take these petitions and deliver them directly to Mayor Mamdani’s administration and make sure that we are in the city's final budget!

We hope to see you there!
When: All day
Where: Albany
Join us to demand a moratorium on data centers in New York!

The explosion of data centers has tremendous impacts on the environment — and on our wallets. These proposals are rapidly:

  • increasing demand for energy
  • driving more fossil fuel pollution
  • straining water resources
  • devouring land
  • raising utility bills

We will be rallying and lobbying for state legislation to press the pause button on data centers, fully assess their risks, and institute regulations to protect our communities, health, and environment from the runaway damage this industry is already inflicting.

There will be buses provided from select locations across the state — check out our RSVP webform for details.

We hope that you can join us!
When: 12 PM
Where: City Hall Park in Manhattan

NYPIRG, Food & Water Watch, and New York Communities for Change delivered nearly 5,000 petition signatures to the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice and Office of Mass Engagement in support of our Gas Free NYC campaign. We want $10 million in the New York City budget to subsidize heat pumps for homeowners, and requirements that end new oil and gas boiler installations — this means cleaner air, more green jobs, and lower utility bills for New Yorkers!

When: Times vary by date and location
Where: Buffalo (4/16), Syracuse (4/17), Albany (4/20), Kingston (4/21) & New York City (4/23)
NYPIRG and our climate allies are traveling across New York State for our campaign to raise public awareness about energy-hogging data centers!

We cannot allow AI data centers to drive up energy costs, pollute our communities, and intensify the climate crisis. Everywhere we see these facilities pop up, we see energy grids strained and utility prices increase. At a time when we are already facing sky-high energy costs, Governor Hochul is siding with polluters over people — backtracking on New York’s Climate Law and handing corporate “energy hogs” a free pass.

Buffalo — Thursday, April 16:

Syracuse — Friday, April 17:

Check out our news release.

Albany — Monday, April 20:

Kingston — Tuesday, April 21:

Check out the news release.

New York City — Thursday, April 23:

Check out the news release.

When: All day
Where: Albany

NYPIRG and our climate allies gathered for an emergency rally to urge state lawmakers to defend and implement New York's Climate Law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which will deliver energy affordability and real climate solutions for New York households!

When: 12 PM
Where: Con Edison, 4 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

We are in a climate crisis, and our utility bills are too damn high!

Big oil and gas executives are rolling in record profits — trillions of dollars! Meanwhile, New Yorkers are struggling to pay ever-increasing utility bills. The fossil fuel industry’s greed is to blame for our rising utility bills, not renewable energy.

NYPIRG and our coalition partners sent a message: New Yorkers want lower bills, good jobs, and clean air. We need a Gas Free NYC! We rallied to demand an end to dirty, expensive oil and gas boilers and in support of energy-efficient, money-saving heat pumps. We are looking to Mayor Mamdani and the City Council to help New Yorkers during the affordability and climate crisis by making heat pumps affordable for all and end new oil and gas boiler installations.

When: Various times
Where: New York State Capitol in Albany (3/4), Buffalo (3/6), and Syracuse (3/6)

Albany

Buffalo

Syracuse

DEFEND OUR CLIMATE LAW!

Across the state, NYPIRG and a coalition of climate and community leaders joined with elected officials to criticize the Hochul Administration’s apparent effort to jam into budget negotiations a plan to undermine the New York’s landmark seven-year-old climate law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.  

“Instead of proposing to galvanize the state’s so-far-lethargic effort to meet the science-based goals of the Climate Law, apparently the governor wants to back off and give up,” said NYPIRG Senior Policy Advisor Blair Horner. “How can we blame a law we're not implementing for the rising cost of gas? The Legislature should firmly reject the governor’s move. The governor’s apparent plan is too consequential to get jammed into secret budget negotiations.”

“Rolling back the Climate Law means rolling back the possibilities of a healthy affordable future for myself and my peers," said Intern at Syracuse University NYPIRG Chapter Axel Quidone. “While we are in an energy affordability crisis, exposing New Yorkers to more toxins and pollutants is not the answer to lowering our bills.”  

Check out the news releases for more:
When: 10:30 AM to 1 PM
Where: Empire State Plaza in Albany

NYPIRG and our climate allies gathered during Governor Hochul’s State of the State address where she shared her agenda and vision for New York in 2026. We shared our vision for New York and spoke up for the climate, health, environment, energy costs, clean air and clean water!

When: 7 PM
Where: Virtual

NYPIRG was joined by our allies and special guests Bill McKibben, Mark Ruffalo, and New York State Assemblymember Emily Gallagher for the virtual launch of “Deadline Hochul” — the mass mobilization of thousands to march in Albany just before Earth Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Together, thousands of us will send our own message to Governor Hochul that cannot be ignored!

When: 11 AM to 3 PM
Where: New York State Capitol in Albany

NYPIRG and our allies rallied to call on Governor Hochul to stop gas infrastructure expansion in New York by signing the "100-foot rule" repeal bill (S.8417/A.8888)!

New York State needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of gas for heating and cooling buildings. The state’s current laws promote gas system expansion by providing that existing customers subsidize new gas service connections — a practice known as the “100-foot rule.” Eliminating the 100-foot rule would save New Yorkers more than $500 million annually in gas utility bills!

The day included a “lunch & learn” with dynamic speakers from New York State's climate movement and group discussions to map out our plans for 2026.

Help us keep up the fight to protect New York’s environment and public health!

Watch NYPIRG’s Policy and Communications Manager Cecilia Ellis discuss our urgent campaign to defend fundamental environmental laws — including the National Environmental Policy Act — which are under unprecedented federal attack. Then please make your vital, tax-deductible contribution today!

Thank you so much for your support!
When: 6 PM
Where: Staten Island Borough Hall

New Yorkers do not want fossil fuel pipelines — we want clean water and clean air!

The Williams Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project would bury 17 miles of fracked gas pipeline under the ocean floor in ecologically sensitive waters near Staten Island and the Rockaway Peninsula. It poses significant and far-reaching implications for marine ecosystems, public health, climate goals, and environmental justice communities, as well as negative impacts on the coastal economies that depend on tourism, recreation, water sports, and commercial fishing.

We have defeated this proposal before — and we can do it again — but we need your help to pressure the Governor, or she will cave to the pressure from the federal administration.

Check out this article from SILive.com. 

When: 12:30 PM
Where: Outside New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) headquarters in Albany

Energy justice meets Halloween at NYSERDA HQ!

NYPIRG, along with 20 advocates, contractors, and Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, gathered outside NYSERDA’s board meeting — in costume — to send a clear message: Don't gut EmPower+!

EmPower+ helps New Yorkers stay warm, lower bills, and access clean, efficient heating — and it supports local contractors across the state.

As winter approaches and gas prices spike, we need more investment in energy efficiency, not less.

Don’t freeze out families — Save EmPower+!
When: 10 AM
Where: Syracuse

NYPIRG joined state lawmakers and our coalition partners to demand that Governor Hochul reject two dirty, fracked gas pipelines!

The Williams Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project and Constitution pipelines would be a disaster for New Yorkers, forcing New Yorkers to pay over $3 billion to expand gas infrastructure while threatening our water and posing serious health risks to surrounding communities. 

50 state legislators signed a letter to the governor urging her to reject the pipelines over the potential threat to the state’s water, economy, and energy affordability.

"As a New Yorker, I take pride in being able to say our state is fracking free. Allowing this pipeline is not only an incredible danger to our health and ecosystems but also incompatible with New York's long term climate goals,” said John Roberts, a NYPIRG student at SUNY-ESF.

When: 11 AM
Where: Outside of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown

NYPIRG and our climate activist allies joined the Haudenosaunee people to protest against Governor Hochul's nuclear energy summit and advocate for renewable energy sources. Check out this CNY Central article for more information.

When: 9 AM
Where: City Hall in Manhattan

NYPIRG rallied before the New York City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings meeting to demand a hearing on Intro 1180 be on the agenda for the next committee meeting in October! We have a chance with this council to solidify protections and strengthen Local Law 97, despite the current mayor's attempts to weaken the law. Let's get this done this year!

When: 12 to 4 PM
Where: Empire State Plaza Convention Center (Base of the Egg) in Albany

NYPIRG, TH!RD ACT Upstate New York, and our coalition partners were at Sun Day in Upstate New York!

Inspired by the transformative impact of the original Earth Day in 1970, Sun Day is a national day of action to harness the power of people, culture, and advocacy to celebrate and accelerate the rapid build-out of renewable energy. Sun Day specifically spotlights how solar and wind are the most affordable, most reliable, and most expeditious sources of energy. Sun Day events in Upstate New York bring together activists, businesses, workers, homeowners, renters, farmers, students, and policymakers to demonstrate widespread support for the ongoing transition to renewable energy. Through arts and music, storytelling, teach-ins, and fun activities for all ages, Sun Day events showcase New York’s affordable, reliable clean energy future as we leave behind the planet-crushing toxicity of fossil fuels.

When: 5 PM
Where: New York City College of Technology in Brooklyn

Governor Hochul must reject the Williams NESE Pipeline NOW!

NYPIRG and our allies rallied at the New York State Draft Energy Plan Hearing against gas pipelines and nuclear power plants. New York needs a state energy plan to get off of fossil fuels and expand renewable energy — not more proposed delays and dirty fuels! Not only is it the law, but it is what’s best for the climate, public health, and our wallets.

When: 4 to 5 PM
Where: Staten Island Ferry Terminal in Manhattan

NYPIRG and our coalition partners rallied and handed out flyers asking New Yorkers to call Governor Hochul and tell her to stop the Williams NESE Pipeline.

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

NYPIRG delivered our coalition's 10,000+ comments to Governor Hochul to defeat the Williams NESE Pipeline once and for all! We held a rally and press conference to demand that the governor listens to New Yorkers and refuses to cave to federal pressure. No more zombie pipelines!

When: 10 AM
Where: Meet at City Hall Park in Manhattan

New York State officials have agreed to consider reviving long-dead fracked gas pipelines, including Williams’ Constitution and NESE pipelines. NYPIRG joined our coalition partners for a march to protect our state from the oil and gas industry's polluting practices. Their pipelines would pollute our air and water, harm our health, and worsen the climate crisis. Moreover, everyday New Yorkers must not be left paying more for dirty pipelines while fossil fuel comanies reap the profits!

When: 12 PM
Where: Virtual (Zoom)

NYPIRG helped to pass the All-Electric Building Act (AEBA) into law. Now, the Building Codes Council has approved the energy codes that implement the law. NYPIRG held a news conference with elected officials and our coalition partners to support full implementation of the AEBA and to commemorate this step forward!

When: 4 PM
Where: Office of New York City Council Member Keith Powers (211 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017)

NYPIRG rallied with coalition partners Food & Water Watch, New York Communities for Change, 350 Brooklyn, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, and Fridays for Future at New York City Council Member Keith Powers' office. The groups delivered over 500 petition signatures from constituents calling on him to co-sponsor Intro 1180, a loophole-closing bill that would strengthen Local Law 97 and further reduce climate-warming pollution in New York City.

When: 10 AM to 4 PM
Where: New York State Capitol in Albany

NYPIRG, Renewable Heat Now, and our allies made a powerful push to pass the NY HEAT Act in Albany only one week before the end of the legislative session!

The NY HEAT Act — a crucial bill for lower energy bills, cleaner heat, and a healthier future — is practical, popular, and necessary. This bill will:

  • Stop wasteful fracked gas expansion paid for by our utility bills.
  • Invest in modern, clean energy like heat pumps.
  • Make energy more affordable for all.

The state legislature cannot let another session go by without passing the NY HEAT Act. The gas utilites keep raising rates to pay for costly new fracked gas pipes — this is outrageous. The NY HEAT Act is the bill that we need to start the transition to clean home energy, and we need it NOW!

When: 11 AM
Where: Albany

With momentum growing in the New York State Legislature to pass a statewide rebate program for purchasing electric lawn equipment, representatives from STIHL, EGO, Milwaukee Tools, Ryobi, The Home Depot, and Ace Hardware joined organizers from NYPIRG, Environment America, and other advocacy groups for an informative day of testing out cleaner, quieter electric lawn equipment. The “Electric Lawn Equipment Demo Day” offered state legislators and their staff, as well local residents, the opportunity to learn about the benefits of going electric.

When: 11 AM
Where: 140 Broadway, New York, NY 10005

NYPIRG rallied 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 showcased 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.

Thanks to all who joined 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!
NYPIRG in the News
Despite blowup between Hochul, state leaders, work on the budget grinds on  (Newsday, May 11, 2026)
Albany to get 'significant jolt' with wave of departures in NYS Legislature  (Newsday, May 10, 2026)
As state budget debate continues, time runs short for other bills  (Newsday, May 2, 2026)
NY State Budget Nearly One Month Late  (The Sun Plattsburgh, April 29, 2026 )
Hochul defends late state budget as climate law talks progress  (Spectrum News, April 28, 2026)
This is the 'earthquake in Albany' that could end NY budget secrecy  (LoHud.com, April 24, 2026)
NY Budget Process Under Scrutiny  (Albany Times-Union, April 26, 2026)
What could the state Legislature do about New York’s executive dominated budget process?  (Spectrum News, April 24, 2026)
‘Energy Hog’ bus tour stops in Hudson Valley  (Mid-Hudson News, April 22, 2026)
Study says better bottle policies could boost recycling to 90% while saving millions  (WNYT, April 22, 2026)
Republicans target NYS law that charges polluters for climate change  (Newsday, April 21, 2026)
Ulster officials, activists speak against AI data centers  (The Daily Freeman, April 21, 2026)
“Energy hog” bus makes a pit stop in Syracuse  (LocalSyr.com, April 17, 2026)
‘Energy hog’ bus tour stops in Syracuse, calls for limits on data centers  (WAER, April 19, 2026)
Advocates call for statewide action against the build of data centers  (CNY Central, April 17, 2026)
Empire State Weekly: Budget three weeks late, but taking shape  (ABC News 10, April 17, 2026)
Trial Lawyers, Consumer Advocates Respond to New Report Showing Insurers Deny Half of All Auto Insurance Claims  (Morning Star, April 16, 2026)
'Energy hog' bus tour takes aim at data centers around New York  (Buffalo-Toronto Public Media, April 16, 2026)
NYPIRG Panel Advocates for Affordable Healthcare  (New Paltz Oracle, April 15, 2026)
Impacts of the late budget  (WAMC, April 14, 2026)
News Archive
Reports & Features
Release: Review of Big Oil’s Financial Statement Shows Well Over $1.3 Trillion In Profits for Calendar Years 2021 Through The First Quarter Of 2026. NYPIRG Urges Repeal of $350 Million in Annual Fossil Fuel Subsidies to Help Address New York’s Affordability Crisis
NYPIRG highlights transit affordability and infrastructure in testimony before the New York City Council Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and General Welfare
Statewide 'Energy Hog' Bus Tour Targeting Power-Hungry Data Centers Makes Final Stop in New York City
NYPIRG Statement on NYCEDC $7 Million Investment in CUNY to Develop Green Workforce
Statewide 'Energy Hog' Bus Tour Stops in Kingston
Statewide 'Energy Hog' Bus Tour Targeting Power-hungry Data Centers Trots through Syracuse - Community Groups, Advocates, and Students urge Hochul to Curb Energy-Intensive Infrastructure and Uphold State Climate Law
Release: NYPIRG Reacts to Governor Hochul’s Proposal to Secretly Negotiate Rolling Back the Nation’s Leading Energy Affordability Climate Law During the Budget Process
Release: New York Shortchanges Independent Colleges by Tens of Millions of Dollars: NYPIRG Urges Lawmakers to Boost Aid as Part of Final Budget
Release: As the Largest Oil Companies Continue to Reap Massive Profits, NYPIRG Urges Repeal of $350 Million in Annual Fossil Fuel Subsidies to Help Address New York’s Affordability Crisis
Advocates and Legislators in Syracuse Urge Lawmakers to Protect Historic NY Climate Law
Environmental Groups and Government Watchdogs in Buffalo Urge Lawmakers to “Say No” to the Hochul Administration’s Effort to Gut Climate Law in Budget Negotiations
Climate and community groups join with lawmakers to “Say No” to the Hochul administration’s effort to gut climate law in budget negotiations
Release: As Energy Bills Skyrocket, Sen. Harckham and Advocates Debunk Gov. Hochul's Manufactured Crisis and Faulty Math
NYPIRG and over 300 groups today called on New York lawmakers to include modernization of the state returnable container law (aka “The Bottle Bill”) in the final budget plan.
NYPIRG Statement on the U.S. House of Representatives Passage of the Save America Act
Over 100 organizations, statewide, express collective opposition to alarming trends in New York’s energy policies
NYPIRG applauds U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s recent public statement and submitted amicus brief challenging the efforts by the oil industry and its allies to overturn New York’s Climate Superfund law.
Straphangers Campaign Releases Best & Worst Moments in NYC Transit List for 2025
On the two-year anniversary of New York’s “Solid Waste Management Plan,” a broad coalition of over 300 groups today called on Governor Kathy Hochul to include modernization of the state returnable container law (aka “The Bottle Bill”) in her executive budget plan, scheduled to be released next month. The groups say it makes sense for the bill to be in the budget since it would both increase revenue for the state and track one of the recommendations of the state’s “Solid Waste Management Plan.”
VICTORY! NYPIRG’s Statement on Governor Hochul Signing the Bill to End the “100-Foot Rule”
Reports & Features Archive