A new governor means new positions on a variety of issues – including climate change.

Environmental activists are hoping that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is a better ally to them than former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has been described by some in the environmental community as a reluctant ally.

“We would like to see her present a budget to the Legislature at the beginning of 2022 that aligns New York state’s decisions [with the climate] law, which would be unlike her predecessor, who didn’t seem to deeply appreciate that the entire New York state budget should be aligned with these goals,” Peter Iwanowicz, executive director of Environmental Advocates NY, told Capital Tonight. 

Iwanowicz, who served as temporary DEC commissioner under Gov. David Paterson, is also on the state’s Climate Action Council (CAC), which is tasked with creating the blueprint for the state’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050.  

“What we want to see from [Gov. Hochul] is that the climate action plan coming in December is as big and as bold and as inspirational as it can be,” Iwanowicz said.