Climate change is a reality. New York is fighting it.
Our future is at stake. That's why New York State is committed to the most aggressive clean energy and climate agenda in the country.
In 2019, we passed the nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) to empower every New Yorker to fight climate change at home, at work, and in their communities.
New York's Nation-Leading Climate Targets
- 85% Reduction in GHG Emissions by 2050
- 100% Carbon-free Electricity by 2040
- 70% Renewable Energy by 2030
- 9,000 MW of Offshore Wind by 2035
- 3,000 MW of Energy Storage by 2030
- 6,000 MW of Solar by 2025
- 22 Million Tons of Carbon Reduction through Energy Efficiency and Electrification
New York’s Climate Act builds on almost a decade of climate leadership by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. Based on the latest climate science, the Climate Act’s targets are among the most rigorous of any major economy in the world. Every New Yorker will play a key role in protecting our communities and ensuring a sustainable future. Together, we will transform New York's economy, create new jobs, and stimulate industry and innovation, while building more resilient communities to benefit, and protect, all New Yorkers.
View the Climate Act Fact Sheet [PDF]
Climate Action Council to Lead the Transition
The New York State Climate Action Council (Council) is a 22-member committee that will prepare a Scoping Plan to achieve the State’s bold clean energy and climate agenda. The Council will also oversee the establishment of sector-specific advisory panels and working groups and will work in consultation with the Climate Justice Working Group and the Environmental Justice Advisory Group.
POSTPONED: The Climate Action Council Meeting scheduled for April 2 has been postponed. We are working to find a new date and will announce it in the near future.
Download the presentation materials and view the recording of the March 3 meeting.
Climate Action Council Members
Co-Chairs
- Alicia Barton, President and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
- Basil Seggos, Commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
State Agencies & Authorities
- Richard Ball, Commissioner, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
- Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner, New York State Department of Transportation
- Thomas Falcone, CEO, Long Island Power Authority
- Eric Gertler, Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate of Empire State Development
- Gil C. Quiniones, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York Power Authority
- Roberta Reardon, Commissioner, New York State Department of Labor
- John B. Rhodes, Chair, New York State Public Service Commission
- Rossana Rosado, Commissioner, New York State Department of State
- RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner and CEO, New York State Homes and Community Renewal
- Howard A. Zucker, Commissioner, New York State Department of Health
Council Appointees
- Donna L. DeCarolis, President, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation
- Gavin Donohue, President and CEO, Independent Power Producers of New York
- Dennis Elsenbeck, Head of Energy and Sustainability, Phillips Lytle LLP
- Rose Harvey, Senior Fellow for Parks and Open Space, Regional Plan Association
- Bob Howarth, Professor, Ecology and Environmental Biology at Cornell
- Peter Iwanowicz, Executive Director, Environmental Advocates of New York
- Jim Malatras, President, SUNY Empire State College
- Anne Reynolds, Executive Director, Alliance for Clean Energy New York
- Raya Salter, Lead Policy Organizer, NY Renews
- Paul Shepson, Dean, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University
Stay Connected
Join the Climate Act mailing list to receive updates on what New York is doing to combat climate change. This page will be further updated as more information on the work being done across the state to support our fight on climate as outlined in the Climate Act becomes available. Please be sure to visit often or bookmark this page.