A recent statewide poll reveals that while New Yorkers broadly support reducing greenhouse gas emissions, most are unwilling to pay higher energy bills to do so.
According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult for the Empire Center for Public Policy, nearly half of New Yorkers said they are either unwilling to pay anything or would only contribute a modest amount—less than $10 per month—for cleaner energy. Only 3 to 5 percent were willing to pay $200 or more per month.
The findings highlight a significant gap between environmental ambition and economic tolerance. Sixty percent of respondents backed green policies, but only if those policies don’t result in increased energy costs. This trend held steady across political affiliation, age, and income groups.
The poll also found that around two-thirds of respondents favored a balanced approach to energy policy—one that maintains both affordability and sustainability. Only 20 percent prioritized reducing emissions even at the cost of higher prices, while another 20 percent preferred cheaper energy even if emissions rose.
“There’s strong support for environmental goals, but not at any price,” the Empire Center noted in its summary of the poll’s results.
Interestingly, familiarity with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA)—a sweeping 2019 law aimed at transforming the state’s energy system—remains low. Half of respondents said they had never heard of the law, and another quarter had heard of it but didn’t know what it entails. Only 12 percent claimed to understand its provisions.
The survey underscores a consistent theme: while New Yorkers care about the environment, the appetite for higher costs in pursuit of cleaner energy remains limited. The Empire Center cautioned that future policy decisions may hinge on whether lawmakers can balance bold climate targets with the public’s financial concerns.
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