Media Contacts
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Sheila Webb-Halpern
Associate Policy Director for Strategic Communications
Email: sheila.webb-halpern@tnc.org
Governor Hochul delivered the 2025 State of the State address today. The Nature Conservancy in New York released the following statement from Jessica Ottney Mahar, policy and strategy director:
“Governor Hochul’s State of the State Address included some promising proposals that protect clean air, clean water and wildlife habitats across New York. The address also signaled that New York’s national climate leadership is at risk. Immediate action is needed to correct course.
“The Nature Conservancy applauds Governor Hochul’s State of the State proposals to modernize and expand New York’s land conservation program. Our state and the world face dual crises of climate change and the unprecedented loss of nature, and we must take action to conserve the lands and waters that New Yorkers depend on. We look forward to working with the Governor and State Legislature to ensure these important proposals are enacted.
“Furthermore, Governor Hochul announced proposals to continue state investments in clean water through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act as well as coastal resilience and building decarbonization programs through continued implementation of the 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
“Unfortunately, in a concerning setback for climate action, Governor Hochul is delaying the implementation of a Cap and Invest Program that would reduce the air pollution that causes global warming. Rather than advancing draft regulations this month, as had been widely discussed, the Governor’s address states that partial program details will be released sometime this year, and then proposes a one-time infrastructure investment of $1 billion. This is insufficient. Policy change is needed to reduce carbon pollution and generate ongoing revenue that can be used to invest in cleaner energy, buildings, transportation and cost reduction programs for New Yorkers. A Cap and Invest program is necessary for the State to meet the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. At a time when our state and our nation face unprecedented impacts from climate change—from flooding to wildfires to droughts—as well as new uncertainty regarding climate policy at the federal level, there is no time to waste. We must address the climate emergency now, and New York must lead the way. The Nature Conservancy urges Governor Hochul to implement a strong Cap and Invest Program this year.”
To learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s work, visit nature.org/newyork.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.