As Trump Looms, New York Can Lead on Climate

NEW YORK, NY (11/06/2024) (readMedia)-- Today, in the aftermath of Donald Trump winning a second term in the White House, New Yorkers called on Governor Hochul to lead where the federal government will step back: protecting people from disastrous climate change, spiraling energy costs, and irreversible environmental damage.

John Raskin, President of Spring Street Climate Fund, said:

"New York already has a successful playbook for how to lead the world on climate in the face of a hostile federal government. During Donald Trump's first term, we passed the nation's strongest statewide climate law and, in New York City, a world-leading clean buildings law, both of which are already succeeding at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"The guaranteed environmental destruction of this next Trump term will be a test for Governor Hochul: will she rise to the moment that demands leadership, or will she back away when New Yorkers need her most? Real climate leadership means reinstating congestion pricing right away, passing the NY HEAT Act in the state budget, and moving forward with the cap and invest plan that the governor has promised but so far failed to deliver.

"If Governor Hochul is ready to lead on climate, New York can really become that beacon of hope and progress that she often describes. The question is whether the governor will rise to the moment."