A fired-up crowd gathered in the Finger Lakes over the weekend, demanding state leaders enforce New York’s climate laws as major polluters threaten the region’s air, water, and economy.
Nearly 300 people attended Sunday’s rally in person and online, joining local elected officials, faith leaders, environmental advocates, scientists, and small business owners. The event took place on Sun Day, a national day of climate action, and focused on what speakers called a failure by Governor Kathy Hochul to uphold the state’s landmark climate law.
Climate promises, broken deadlines
At the heart of the rally was the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act — a sweeping law meant to cut greenhouse gas emissions and protect public health. But since its passage, advocates say state leaders have allowed harmful fossil fuel projects to move forward and missed key enforcement deadlines.
“If she fails to enforce our nation-leading climate law, she won’t just fail the Finger Lakes — she’ll fail the entire state,” said Yvonne Taylor of Seneca Lake Guardian, one of the region’s leading environmental groups.
Taylor and others pointed to several threats that directly impact the Finger Lakes:
- Greenidge Generation, a fossil fuel-powered cryptomine operating on Seneca Lake
- The proposed expansion of Seneca Meadows, the state’s largest landfill
- A new data center planned on the shores of Cayuga Lake
These projects, they argued, conflict with New York’s own climate goals and pose a direct risk to the region’s water, farms, and economy.
Voices from science, business, and faith
The rally drew a wide range of voices, including elected officials like Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles and Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who addressed the crowd virtually.
“This isn’t just about land use — it’s about our health, our kids, and our future,” Delgado said. “We need the courage to enforce the law and stand up to corporate interests.”
Cornell professor and state Climate Action Council member Dr. Robert Howarth called cryptomining at Greenidge “indefensible,” warning that outdated fossil fuel projects threaten progress toward cutting emissions in half by 2040.
Reverend Jane Winters urged action grounded in faith and care for creation. “Having a massive garbage dump and cryptomining on a freshwater lake is not taking care of creation,” she said.
Business owners also joined the call. Vinny Aliperti of Billsboro Winery said the Finger Lakes’ agritourism economy depends on clean water and a stable climate. “Businesses can’t thrive if our resources are contaminated,” he said.
A sacred duty to protect the land
Sachem Sam George of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ (Cayuga) Nation reminded the crowd that protecting the land is a sacred responsibility. He urged the state to uphold the balance between people and the environment for future generations.
That message was echoed by Brady Fergusson of the Climate Solutions Accelerator, who said New York has a chance to lead — but only if it enforces its own laws.
“The strength of the Finger Lakes is rooted in clean water, healthy ecosystems, and vibrant communities,” he said.
Speakers made clear they’re not just asking for climate leadership — they’re demanding it.
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