February 28, 2025
Albany, NY — The New Yorkers for Clean Air coalition, alongside legislators and community advocates, gathered in Albany to demand immediate action from Governor Kathy Hochul on the overdue cap-and-invest rules. After retreating from her signature climate policy, the coalition is calling on the Governor to stop delaying and start holding polluters accountable by advancing a program that will significantly reduce harmful emissions and improve public health.
“The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) is groundbreaking legislation that set a high standard for New York’s climate goals- in order to achieve these standards, we need the mechanism of the Cap-and-Invest program to provide enforcement and funding. Delays in the release of the draft Cap-and-Invest regulations create significant setbacks in achieving New York’s important climate goals. It is important to release the draft Cap-and-Invest regulations now to begin the formal hearing and input process, our climate can’t wait.” Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee said.
The Governor did highlight the fact that the budget would not be able to accommodate the cap-n-invest roll out.
“Cap & Invest is essential for protecting New Yorkers from rising energy costs, as well as from the cost of climate change, which has become evident in more natural disasters and rising insurance rates. There is no affordability without sustainability and resiliency. Almost five years after the adoption of the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act, it’s time to release the regs! New York has waited long enough for climate action and cannot afford continued delay as utility bills balloon, insurance premiums rise and our environment continues to degrade,” Senator Pete Harckham said.
Governor Hochul’s failure to act has allowed big polluters to continue degrading New York’s air quality while disproportionately impacting communities already burdened by environmental and health disparities. Advocates say it’s time for New York to deliver on its commitments and implement bold policies that will lead to cleaner air and a healthier future for all residents.
American Lung Association NYS Advocacy Manager Max Micallef said, “The science is clear: air pollution is a public health crisis. Every day that New York delays action on cap-and-invest, communities across the state—especially those already facing the worst air quality—continue to suffer from asthma, lung disease, and other serious health risks. Strong pollution limits will not only cut harmful emissions that worsen climate change but also protect the lungs of millions of New Yorkers. We urge Governor Hochul to move forward without delay to ensure cleaner air, healthier communities, and a safer future for all,” American Lung Association NYS Advocacy Manager Max Micallef said.
About New Yorkers for Clean Air
New Yorkers for Clean Air is a coalition of environmental and environmental justice advocates, businesses, community-based and public health organizations, and everyday New Yorkers who believe that everyone deserves to breathe clean air and drink safe water. Together, we’re fighting for a healthier, more sustainable future for our state.
