Lawmakers and activists react to state budget climate initiatives
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 state budget proposal continues investments made in recent years when it comes to fighting the climate crisis, but activists are responding by pushing for an additional $1 billion investment in the state’s newly created Climate Action Fund.
“Undoubtedly, the climate crisis that we are facing is the crisis of our generation – and generations to come,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas.
Expressing concern for the future, climate advocates and some lawmakers applauded parts of Hochul’s state budget proposal, most notably, ending the 100-foot rule and other elements of what has become known as the HEAT Act. In the governor’s budget proposal, they are under what is called the Affordable Gas Transition Act.