Topics Climate and Environment
A man wearing a mask installs pink fiberglass insulation on the inside of a home.
New York Shores Up Funding for Key Energy Efficiency Program

The state plans to stabilize the Empower+ program with a record amount of money from the pollution pricing program RGGI.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   December 23, 2025
Here’s Every Bill That Kathy Hochul Vetoed in 2025

One hundred and forty laws that almost were.

New York Focus   ·   December 23, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul stands at a podium in front of a field of solar panels. In the background, a large, looming clock ticks close to midnight.
Wetland Rules Slow Solar Buildout as Developers Rush for Tax Credits

Recently adopted environmental regulations have added months to New York’s already yearslong energy permitting process, colliding with new deadlines for federal subsidies.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   December 20, 2025
Will New York City Drop BlackRock Over Climate?

Outgoing Comptroller Brad Lander wants the city’s pension funds to reconsider $42 billion in investments with the firm, but it may fall to his successor to take action.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   December 15, 2025
AmeriCorps Cuts Leave New York Trails in Trouble

Some of downstate New York’s most used hiking trails are badly eroding. President Trump’s cuts have slashed the crews working to save them.

Sam Mellins   ·   December 11, 2025
Hochul Buys Time on Pollution Rules

New York is ready to collect data on emissions, but is fighting a court order to cut them.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   December 3, 2025
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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   November 26, 2025
A boy looks out over Jamaica Bay in the Edgemere neighborhood of New York City. The community, which is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and the bay, is at growing risk of coastal flooding due to sea level rise.
‘We Are Forgotten Here’: As NYC Builds Seawalls, This Queens Community Feels Left Behind

A decade after city officials promised to protect Edgemere against floods, residents say the neighborhood remains just as vulnerable.

Evan Simon   ·   November 18, 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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   November 7, 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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   November 5, 2025
The main building of the Mt Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex near Lake Placid, NY.
What Is Ballot Proposal 1?

Voters across the state are scratching their chins about a question on their ballots concerning an Adirondacks winter sports facility. Here’s what’s going on.

Sam Mellins   ·   November 3, 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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   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.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   August 29, 2025
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