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In 2019, New York State passed The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which was, at the time, the strongest climate law in the nation. That groundbreaking legislation set a high standard for New York’s climate goal with a goal to reach net zero emissions in New York State. However, there are indications that Governor Hochul is looking to make changes to the CLCPA that would weaken the law and make families more vulnerable to the rising cost of fossil fuels. Tying the CLCPA and clean energy to rising utility bills is a red herring, and NYLCV and other environmental advocates are taking issue with the governor’s reasoning.

By Liam McGowan Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) are an essential component of building decarbonization efforts here in New York –

On January 9, NYLCV President Julie Tighe stood shoulder to shoulder with Governor Kathy Hochul, union leaders, and workers in Suffolk County to say what should be obvious: New York will not give up on affordable, reliable clean energy – and we will not abandon the workers building it. The rally was the culmination of a full year of fighting back against relentless federal attacks on offshore wind and a clear signal that NYLCV and our partners are in this fight for the long haul. President Trump was inaugurated one year ago, and almost immediately his administration began targeting offshore wind, one of New York’s most important tools for lowering energy costs, creating union jobs, and reducing our dependence on volatile fossil fuels. Since then, NYLCV has been on the front lines, organizing, mobilizing, and pushing back every step of the way.

It’s been one year since New York made history by launching the nation’s first Congestion Pricing Program, and the results are in: less traffic, faster buses, better air quality, and millions of dollars going to improve our mass transit system. “It takes bold leadership to advance policies that improve our communities and daily lives – especially when they aren’t universally popular at the start,” said NYLCV President Julie Tighe. “That’s exactly what Governor Hochul showed by advancing congestion pricing forward to deliver real results for New Yorkers.”

The New York League of Conservation Voters and NYLCV Education Fund are proud to release our 2026 State Policy Agenda, which outlines the League’s top priorities, including the Sustainable Future Fund and the Clean Air Initiative, advancing affordable clean energy projects, decarbonizing buildings with thermal energy networks, passing a Clean Fuel Standard, and achieving zero waste.

The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) Gives Green is pleased to announce its endorsement of 37 candidates for key positions across New York State, including County Legislator, Town Supervisor, City Council, and Board of Legislators. 

Under New York State law, all new light-duty passenger vehicles must be zero-emission by 2035, with all medium- and heavy-duty passenger vehicles following suit by 2045. However, there are significant barriers to reaching these goals due to charging and grid infrastructure shortfalls, exacerbated by federal rollbacks.