New York scales back landmark climate law, pivots to nonbinding 2040 target

New York lawmakers are moving to roll back the 2019 climate law, replacing its 40% emissions-cut mandate by 2030 with a nonbinding 60% cut by 2040 and other accounting changes designed to lower costs. The package also extends the climate-tracking horizon to 100 years, de-emphasizes methane, and excludes imported fossil-fuel emissions from state accounting. The remaining 85% reduction by 2050 stays in place. Gov. Hochul argues the changes curb costs for residents, while environmentalists and some Democrats criticize the move. Once signed, agencies must draft implementing regulations by 2028 toward the new targets, with cap-and-invest among the options considered.