New York Governor Kathy Hochul's recent decisions on fossil fuels have sparked outrage among environmentalists, sparking fears that her administration is abandoning its climate change commitments. The latest development came in the form of a deal struck with builders and fossil fuel companies to delay the All-Electric Building Act, which aims to ban new gas hookups in buildings under seven stories by January.
This move comes on top of Hochul's approval last week of a key water-quality permit for a proposed natural gas pipeline off the coast of New York City, reversing prior denials. The administration has also reached an agreement with a Bitcoin mining operation that will allow it to continue operating its fossil fuel plant in the Finger Lakes.
Critics argue that these decisions demonstrate a shift away from renewable energy and towards a more fossil fuel-friendly approach. Assemblymember Emily Gallagher described the delay of the All-Electric Buildings Act as "enraging, but not surprising," citing previous reversals on toxic gas pipelines and cryptocurrency mining.
The delay of the law has also been criticized by environmental groups, who point out that it is preempted by federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Despite this, Governor Hochul's administration remains committed to the law, saying it aims to reduce regulatory uncertainty for developers while defending it in court.
Some lawmakers have expressed concerns about affordability, with Assemblymember William Conrad stating that "the grid isn't ready" to handle the added load of electrifying new buildings. However, environmental groups dispute these claims, citing studies that show all-electric homes can save households over $1,000 annually.
The decision has sparked outrage among climate activists, including Lisa Marshall from New Yorkers for Clean Power, who accused Governor Hochul of "dashing all her progress on New York's climate and energy affordability goals." The delay of the All-Electric Buildings Act is seen as a significant setback in the state's efforts to address climate change, and has raised concerns about the governor's commitment to environmental causes.
This move comes on top of Hochul's approval last week of a key water-quality permit for a proposed natural gas pipeline off the coast of New York City, reversing prior denials. The administration has also reached an agreement with a Bitcoin mining operation that will allow it to continue operating its fossil fuel plant in the Finger Lakes.
Critics argue that these decisions demonstrate a shift away from renewable energy and towards a more fossil fuel-friendly approach. Assemblymember Emily Gallagher described the delay of the All-Electric Buildings Act as "enraging, but not surprising," citing previous reversals on toxic gas pipelines and cryptocurrency mining.
The delay of the law has also been criticized by environmental groups, who point out that it is preempted by federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Despite this, Governor Hochul's administration remains committed to the law, saying it aims to reduce regulatory uncertainty for developers while defending it in court.
Some lawmakers have expressed concerns about affordability, with Assemblymember William Conrad stating that "the grid isn't ready" to handle the added load of electrifying new buildings. However, environmental groups dispute these claims, citing studies that show all-electric homes can save households over $1,000 annually.
The decision has sparked outrage among climate activists, including Lisa Marshall from New Yorkers for Clean Power, who accused Governor Hochul of "dashing all her progress on New York's climate and energy affordability goals." The delay of the All-Electric Buildings Act is seen as a significant setback in the state's efforts to address climate change, and has raised concerns about the governor's commitment to environmental causes.
I'm really disappointed in this move by Governor Hochul. She was supposed to be a leader on climate change, but now it seems like she's backtracking on her promises. The delay of the All-Electric Buildings Act is a huge step backwards. Not only will it lead to more pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, but it'll also hurt low-income communities who can't afford to retrofit their homes with new heating systems.
I'm really disappointed with what's going down in New York right now... Governor Hochul seems like she's being super pressured by fossil fuel companies and builders to water down her climate change commitments. It's like, aren't they trying to make things better for everyone, not worse? 
The delay of the All-Electric Buildings Act is huge, it's going to give them more time to figure out ways to mess with people's homes and businesses... I don't think that's what we need. We need to be pushing forward with renewable energy and sustainable practices, not taking steps back.
I don't know, but it feels like there's a lot of money involved here, and that's not okay. We need to be thinking about the future of our planet, not just making deals with whoever's willing to pay us.
What do you guys think is going on here?
and it's not like they're going back on their commitments or anything... just delaying a law 
doesn't change the fact that we need to take action now
and I'm like, yeah, me too... we can't just sit around and watch our planet burn 
we need leaders who care about the future of our kids and grandkids 
... i get that there are still a lot of people who use gas for heating and whatnot, but can't we just try to phase that out already? 
it's not like the grid is gonna collapse or anything... and $1k savings on energy bills? that's a no-brainer for me 