Climate Protests Force Governor to Retreat on Methane Rules

Last Friday, Governor Hochul set off a political firestorm when she suddenly announced that she wanted to rollback the emission reduction goals in the new climate law. After a firestorm of protest from climate advocates, scientists, and lawmakers, she said on Wednesday that she won’t push for the changes in the upcoming state budget since she wants to focus on passing her cap-and-trade carbon pricing proposal. However, she indicated that she may revisit her efforts to gut the law post-budget. On Tuesday, climate activists blockaded her office at the State Capitol to protest her proposals. We hear from Wallace Mazon of NY Communities for Change, Vanesa Agduelo of the Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions, Laura Beckman the Sunrise Movement, Amber Ruther, and John Pope and Laura Shindell of Food and Water Watch. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine