Gov. Kathy Hochul is delaying key parts of New York’s clean energy agenda, including an all-electric building mandate and cap-and-invest program, citing affordability concerns, according to the Times Union.
Under legal and political pressure — especially from western New York Democrats and industry groups — Hochul agreed to pause the electric building rules until a court ruling, despite earlier backing. She also stalled the cap-and-invest program, which would charge polluters and return money to households, while critics warn of rising utility costs and grid instability.
Progressives say the delays undermine New York’s climate goals. Meanwhile, Republicans accuse Hochul of stalling reforms until after the 2026 election.
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