A photo of Colin Kinniburgh.
Authors
Colin Kinniburgh

Colin Kinniburgh is a reporter at New York Focus, covering the state’s climate and environmental politics. He has worked in media for more than a decade, across print, television, audio, and online news, and participated in fellowship programs at CUNY’s Graduate School of Journalism, the Metcalf Institute, and the NYU Stern School of Business. His climate reporting earned a New York Press Club award.

Renewable Developers Press Hochul to Settle Tax Dispute Before Key Deadline

New Yorkers will pay more for wind and solar if Hochul doesn’t sign property tax legislation in the coming days, the industry says.

December 1, 2025
Why Did Hochul Back Down on New York’s Gas Ban?

Just last month, the state argued in court that it couldn’t halt the all-electric buildings law even if it wanted to. Then it abruptly changed course.

November 26, 2025
Heating Assistance Still on Hold as Federal Government Reopens

Federal HEAP funding will not reach New Yorkers until at least November 24, state officials say.

November 15, 2025
New York Approves Trump-Backed Gas Pipeline

The Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline had been rejected by environmental regulators three times but was revived this spring after talks between Hochul and Trump.

November 7, 2025
A map of New York state, with some headshots of successful candidates
It’s Not Just Mamdani: Democrats, Progressives Rack Up Victories Upstate

Working Families Party–backed candidates flipped county legislatures, won big-city mayoralties, and secured an Assembly seat in Elise Stefanik’s backyard.

November 6, 2025
A photo collage of Zohran Mamdani in front of a roof with solar panels on it; a cityscape in the background.
What Zohran Mamdani’s Win Means for Climate Politics

The mayor-elect’s approach reflects a view that is going mainstream: To succeed, climate policies may need to lose the label.

November 5, 2025
A photo collage of Kathy Hochul standing in front of the Ulster County Courthouse.
A Court Ordered New York to Issue Major Climate Rules. What’s Next?

“We have time to work it out,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.

October 30, 2025
New York Is Violating Its Flagship Climate Law, Judge Rules

The law required a state agency to issue major regulations more than a year and a half ago, and it had no excuse not to, the court found.

October 24, 2025
Climate Advocates ‘Haunt’ State Meeting, Demanding Energy Efficiency Funds

Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to indicate whether, or how, New York might plug a funding hole for Empower+, a key energy affordability program.

October 23, 2025
Lawmakers Scrutinize Secretive Process Behind Energy Bill Hikes

In a state Senate hearing on spiraling energy bills, consumer advocates lamented the closed-door negotiations at the heart of New York’s ratemaking process.

October 2, 2025
Climate Hawks Vow Election Showdown If Hochul Greenlights Gas Pipeline

Pipeline opponents say that approving NESE could bite Hochul in next year’s elections.

September 26, 2025
Why Your Energy Bills Are Going Up — Again

Electric bills in New York haven’t been this high for a decade, and they’re about to rise even more. Here’s why.

September 18, 2025
New York Business Groups Rally Around Trump-Backed Pipeline

Business interests have launched a campaign to back National Grid’s demands for more gas, with fingerprints of the utility’s lobbying firm.

August 29, 2025
Major Pipeline Moves Closer to Approval in New York as Critics Decry ‘Bargain’ with Trump

Public comments are closing soon for an underwater pipeline project that sprang back to life this spring after talks between Hochul and Trump.

August 8, 2025
Judge Skewers Hochul Administration Over New York’s Climate Law Delays

The judge suggested he’ll rule that the state is violating its climate law.

July 29, 2025
New York’s Landmark Climate Law Goes on Trial

As environmental justice groups seek to compel the state to follow its climate law, the Hochul administration is set to argue that it deserves a pass.

July 25, 2025
Regulators Crack Down on a Troubled New York Solar Company

Attyx, formerly known as SUNCo, is set to lose its license to operate in the state over what regulators called “false and misleading” sales pitches.

July 23, 2025
New York to Scale Back Key Energy Affordability Program

Empower+ helps thousands of New Yorkers afford energy efficiency upgrades. The state is planning to slash funding by nearly two-thirds in two years.

July 18, 2025
The Race to Build Solar and Wind Before Trump’s Tax Credit Deadline

Trump’s megabill gives wind and solar companies one year to put as many shovels in the ground as possible. They want New York officials to help.

July 11, 2025
Why Is It So Hard for New York to Pass Climate Bills?

Environmentalists increasingly blame Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie — who’s firing back.

June 27, 2025
1 2 3 4 5 6