Dems back climate bills, including 'Superfund' to make oil companies foot the bill
By Raga Justin, Times Union
Nearly four years ago, New York committed itself to what lawmakers billed as the most progressive — and aggressive — climate plan in the country. It requires the state to transition away from most of its carbon emissions within the decade, while prioritizing communities that have long been most affected by pollution zones and major natural disasters.
It’s a big ask, and one that many Republican legislators and the energy industry remain wary of. And the billion-dollar question that remains: How does the state plan to pay for its lofty goals?
Democratic lawmakers and environmental advocates this week called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to dedicate $10 billion in her executive state budget proposal to fund projects outlined in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Without those dollars, they say, the state's ambitious goals will be placed at risk near the start of a decades-long effort.