Governor Kathy Hochul proposed changes to New York’s 2019 climate law, seeking to delay key emissions reduction deadlines and extend regulatory timelines to 2030.

Her plan would allow homes and businesses to burn more gas longer, while linking future rules to an unspecified 2040 emissions target, though the original 2030 goal remains unchanged.

Hochul cited federal opposition to renewable energy as justification, arguing stricter enforcement would raise costs for residents and businesses.

Lawmakers and climate advocates criticized the proposal, calling it a rollback that undermines accountability and public input, with some expressing willingness to adjust deadlines but not emission calculations, Syracuse.com has reported.

The governor aims to pass the amendments through the state budget by April 1, but the plan faces strong opposition and concerns it could increase fossil fuel reliance.