Climate and environmental advocates rallied outside Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address today, accusing the governor of backing away from New York’s landmark climate law and calling for a halt to new fossil fuel projects.
The rally drew New Yorkers and environmental, public health, and community groups from across the state, according to organizers. Protesters gathered as Hochul delivered her address in Albany, urging her to “stand up for the climate” and fully enforce the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Calls to enforce state climate law
Advocates said Hochul has retreated from New York’s climate commitments over the past year. They pointed to approvals of fossil fuel projects, including the Northeast Supply Enhancement fracked gas pipeline, a gas-powered cryptocurrency mining facility in the Finger Lakes, and decisions affecting clean energy transmission projects.
Organizers said 130 organizations recently sent a letter to Hochul accusing her administration of breaking the CLCPA and dismantling parts of the state’s all-electric buildings policy.
Rally speakers called on the governor to deny new fossil fuel permits, increase investment in renewable energy, and electrify buildings statewide.
Elected officials join criticism
Several state lawmakers spoke at the rally. Sen. Lea Webb said, “I stand with New Yorkers from across the state who are frustrated and angry that our climate law is being ignored.”
Assemblymember Emily Gallagher said, “The science could not be clearer—the climate crisis is an existential threat to life as New Yorkers know it.”
Assemblymember Anna Kelles also criticized recent energy decisions, saying, “What has become increasingly frustrating is not a lack of vision, but a lack of commitment to state law.”
Health and environmental concerns raised
Health advocates tied climate policy to public health impacts. Sandra Steingraber, co-founder of Concerned Health Professionals of New York, said, “The science is clear: 91,000 Americans die each year from oil- and gas-related air pollution.”
Dr. Kathleen Nolan, president of New York’s chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility, said, “We can prevent illness, keep our air and water clean, and lower costs by relying only on ‘all of the above-ground renewable energy sources.’”
Others warned that climate-driven extreme weather is already driving up costs statewide. Valdi Weiderpass of the Sierra Club Susquehanna Group cited storms, wildfires, and flooding as signs the state must act more urgently.
Demands for policy changes
Advocates also criticized the suspension of the state’s All-Electric Buildings Act and raised concerns about fossil-fueled data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations. Eric Weltman of Food & Water Watch said, “To begin rebuilding her credibility on climate action and energy costs, Hochul must support a halt to new data center construction in New York – now.”
Organizers said the rally aimed to pressure Hochul to reverse course and prioritize full implementation of the CLCPA, which requires steep greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 and 2050.
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