{"id":23162,"date":"2023-04-26T11:00:50","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T16:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/climate411\/?p=23162"},"modified":"2025-12-03T11:07:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T16:07:26","slug":"new-york-lawmakers-have-a-chance-to-lead-on-climate-they-must-take-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/climate411\/2023\/04\/26\/new-york-lawmakers-have-a-chance-to-lead-on-climate-they-must-take-it\/","title":{"rendered":"New York lawmakers have a chance to lead on climate. They must take it."},"content":{"rendered":"

As the New York legislature\u2019s budget deliberations drag well into April, they still have the opportunity to pass a budget that would pave the way for the state to have one of the most ambitious and equitable climate programs in the country.<\/p>\n

Right now, a bold cap-and-invest program is on the table as part of the state\u2019s ongoing budget discussions. In December 2022, the Climate Action Council, a group of experts and stakeholders charged with developing a plan to meet New York\u2019s climate goals, chose cap-and-invest as a key option to advance because it marries ambition, affordability and equity. <\/strong>The program would set an overall limit\u2014or cap\u2014on the state\u2019s emissions that lowers over time, with the aim of reaching New York\u2019s statutory climate goals, a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030, and at least 85% from 1990 levels by 2050. Major polluters under the cap would pay for their limited emissions through allowances. As the cap lowers over time, so would the number of available emissions allowances, incentivizing businesses to make cost-effective decisions on how to cut their pollution\u2014which supports the overall affordability of meeting NY climate targets\u2014such as investing in cleaner sources of energy. Alongside tackling climate change, the program can center equity by putting in place guardrails that protect disadvantaged communities (DACs) from local pollution and by directing revenues raised to these communities and other low- and middle-income communities.<\/p>\n

The Assembly should support legislation in the budget that directs the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to make this proposal a reality and develop a robust cap-and-invest program with built-in programs to ensure affordability, protect and prioritize DACs and support clean energy investments alongside other critical climate policies like NY HEAT.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Here are three reasons why acting now can create a safer, healthier, and more affordable future for New Yorkers.<\/h3>\n

1.\u00a0 Legislative direction on the use of cap-and-invest revenues is the best way to ensure affordability and equity. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Passing a budget that provides clear direction regarding how to spend cap-and-invest revenues is critical for ensuring that these funds are used in ways to enhance affordability and equity, including by:<\/p>\n