Story perspectives

NY Budget Chief Proposes Changes to Costly Climate Law

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Blake Washington, New York State budget director, signaled changes to the climate law to ease the transition's cost.
He described the climate law as well-intentioned but outdated, citing a $3,000 average cost per New Yorker, with activists arguing costs rise from gas prices.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul pursues an all-of-the-above energy strategy, including natural gas, to address affordability.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins opposes amending the climate law's benchmarks.

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Story summary

Blake Washington, New York State budget director, signaled changes to the climate law to ease the transition's cost.
He described the climate law as well-intentioned but outdated, citing a $3,000 average cost per New Yorker, with activists arguing costs rise from gas prices.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul pursues an all-of-the-above energy strategy, including natural gas, to address affordability.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins opposes amending the climate law's benchmarks.