New York’s Climate Goals in Jeopardy as Trump Returns to White House
With President Donald Trump set to return to the White House, New York is all but on its own to play catch-up with its ambitious, legally mandated climate goals.
The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act
The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, passed in 2019 during Trump’s first presidential term, requires the state to have zero-emissions electricity by 2040 and slash greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050. While the state has made some progress, it’s got a long way to go. Even with the Biden administration’s friendly stance toward climate action, New York had already fallen about three years behind its own benchmarks.
The Role of the State
"The role of the state is far more important, in that we can no longer rely on the federal government," said Michael Gerrard, director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University. "There’s plenty we can do if we have the political will." Gerrard said Gov. Kathy Hochul should double down on advancing the climate law’s aims by following the sweeping policy blueprint that plots out a transition away from fossil fuels for all parts of New York’s economy.
Funding and Spending Plan
However, the state lacks a clear funding source or spending plan to carry out its climate goals. "New York has taken significant steps to implement the Climate Act and we will continue our ongoing efforts to build a clean energy economy," Paul DiMichele, a spokesperson for Hochul, said in a statement.
Lee Zeldin’s Role
One person who could help or hinder Hochul’s efforts is Lee Zeldin, Trump’s appointee to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Zeldin, a former state senator and Congressman representing eastern Long Island, challenged Hochul for governor in 2022 and came within six points of winning. This summer, he called New York’s climate law "unrealistic and unobtainable," saying its goals amounted to "pathetic political posturing."
Zeldin’s Stance on Climate Change
Zeldin does not have a reputation as an environmental champion, though advocates who worked with him locally said he stepped up in crucial times. Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Long Island-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said she asked Zeldin to publicly oppose Trump’s idea to drill for oil off the East Coast. He did, she said, in part because he recognized the harmful impact that would have had on Long Island fishermen.
Rejecting Climate Science
What Zeldin ultimately decides to do if confirmed as head of the EPA may be a question of how closely he hews to Trump’s vision. Trump has long rejected climate science. During his first term, his administration gutted research funding, and the EPA rolled back over 100 policies and rules aimed at lowering planet-warming emissions and protecting the environment.
Dominance, Renewables Included
Zeldin also promised to "pursue energy dominance" for the U.S., without specifying what kind of energy he wants to be dominant. "Does that mean only fossil fuels? Trump has been outspoken in opposing offshore wind — do wind and solar and geothermal factor into that equation?" said Judith Enck, a former regional administrator of the EPA.
Conclusion
New York’s climate goals are in jeopardy as Trump returns to the White House. The state needs to prioritize its own funding and spending plan to carry out its climate goals. Zeldin’s stance on climate change is uncertain, and his confirmation as head of the EPA could have significant implications for the state’s climate efforts.
FAQs
Q: What are the climate goals set by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act?
A: The act requires the state to have zero-emissions electricity by 2040 and slash greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050.
Q: What is the role of the state in achieving its climate goals?
A: The state is responsible for implementing its climate goals and finding its own funding and spending plan to carry out its climate efforts.
Q: What is Lee Zeldin’s stance on climate change?
A: Zeldin has expressed skepticism about the science of climate change and has called New York’s climate law "unrealistic and unobtainable."
Q: What is the significance of Zeldin’s confirmation as head of the EPA?
A: Zeldin’s confirmation could have significant implications for the state’s climate efforts, as he may choose to roll back Biden-era rules aimed at lowering planet-warming emissions and protecting the environment.
