New York Could Change How It Measures Methane. Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal
By Kristoffer Tigue, Inside Climate News
Environmentalists are criticizing New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for supporting a proposal to change how the state measures emissions of methane, the key component of natural gas and the world’s second-leading contributor to climate change behind carbon dioxide. If passed, opponents say, the measure would undermine the state’s climate law and set a dangerous precedent at a time when research shows the window to prevent runaway global warming is quickly closing.
Under new legislation proposed last week by Sen. Kevin Parker, a state Democrat, New York would calculate the warming effect of methane gas on a 100-year time horizon rather than the 20-year time frame used by the state’s landmark 2019 climate law.
Proponents say the move will spare New Yorkers higher energy bills as utilities begin passing the cost of the energy transition onto consumers. Critics accuse Hochul of caving to fossil fuel lobbyists and call the proposal “magic math,” with at least one estimate showing the change would require New York to cut roughly one-third fewer emissions this decade than currently required.