Upstate United Responds to Status of New York’s Cap-and-Invest

August 7th, 2025

“It is increasingly evident that Governor Hochul knows that implementing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) is simply unaffordable. Yesterday, eight months after her first announcement that New York’s cap-and-invest would be delayed due to concerns around cost and lack of data, Governor Hochul again stated it is ‘just not the right time’ for the state to tackle the staggering costs associated with the economy-wide program.

“While we appreciate this continued acknowledgement, it is imperative that she and the legislature take necessary steps to roll back a law that is simply not being followed due to costs, reliability issues, and the lack of replacements for dispatchable sources like natural gas. If the CLCPA remains on the books as it was adopted in 2019, it will continue to influence decisions made by the Public Service Commission, utilities, and businesses that have no alternative but to comply with the law. Delaying implementation of key programs, like cap-and-invest, on an arbitrary and ad hoc basis does not address the problem at its core. To truly prioritize affordability, transparency, and reliability for New Yorkers, state leaders must revamp the law into something more realistic for current circumstances and conditions.”