New Yorkers Deserve to Know the Cost of the Proposed Climate Act Changes

March 20th, 2026

As Governor Hochul proposes amendments to the Climate Act, questions remain about the cost of those changes and their impact on households and businesses.

The following statement can be attributed to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United.

“We appreciate the Governor’s recognition that the current law has flaws and needs to be revisited. But the last time Albany enacted sweeping climate mandates, we were told the law would pay for itself—without a serious analysis to back that claim. Today, there is no denying that families and businesses are feeling the impact.

“We cannot repeat that mistake. Before setting new deadlines or emissions limits, policymakers must provide a clear, honest accounting of the costs and who will bear them.

“If Albany couldn’t tell New Yorkers what it would cost the first time, they shouldn’t be asking for a second chance without showing their work.”