Advocates from across New York plan to rally Tuesday outside Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address, calling on her to take stronger action on climate change.
Environmental, public health, and community groups say they will gather at the Empire State Plaza to demand the governor follow the state’s climate law and stop approving fossil fuel projects they say threaten public health and the environment.
The rally comes after Hochul approved the Northeast Supply Enhancement fracked gas pipeline and allowed the previously rejected Greenidge Generation gas-powered cryptocurrency mining facility in the Finger Lakes to move forward. Advocates say those decisions mark a retreat from New York’s climate leadership.
State lawmakers including Sen. Lea Webb and Assemblymembers Anna Kelles, Emily Gallagher, and Simon are expected to join the event alongside organizers and residents from around the state.
“In 2025, Hochul governed like a pawn of the fossil fuel industry,” said Renee Vogelsang, New York director of Frack Action. She said advocates are calling on the governor to “stand up for climate, advance renewable energy, and protect our clean air and water.”
The rally and press conference are scheduled for Jan. 13 inside the Empire State Plaza concourse. The press conference begins at 11:30 a.m., with the rally running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Organizers say more than 130 organizations recently sent a letter to the governor accusing her of backing away from the state’s climate commitments. They point to approvals of fossil fuel projects and the rejection of some clean energy transmission efforts.
Advocates say they want the state to ramp up renewable energy investments, electrify buildings, enforce and fully fund the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and stop permitting new fossil fuel projects.
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