Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

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 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.

The Climate Action Council held a meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 2 p.m. E.T.

View meeting agenda [PDF]
View meeting materials and recording 

View past meeting materials.

Advisory Panels

The advisory panels of the Climate Action Council and the Just Transition Working Group will host public meetings throughout the remainder of 2020. The advisory panels will hold sector-specific discussions that will provide recommendations to the Council for consideration as it develops a Scoping Plan to achieve New York’s ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets. The Just Transition Working Group will help ensure an equitable transition for New York's workforce in the State's renewable energy economy.

Consistent with Executive Orders issued by Governor Cuomo and in keeping with measures designed to limit the spread of COVID-19, the meeting will be conducted by teleconference. Members of the public are welcome to listen to the meeting via webcast.

Upcoming Advisory Panel Meetings

Agriculture and Forestry Advisory Panel
Monday, November 2, 2020 at 10 a.m.
View the meeting
Event number: 171 090 6062
Event Password: vsNZRWhY227
Phone number: 1-518-549-0500
Access code: 171 090 6062

Transportation Advisory Panel
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.
View the meeting 
Event number: 171 247 3366
Phone number: 518-549-0500
Access code: 171 247 3366

Just Transition Working Group
Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at
View the meeting
Event number: 145 231 4847
Event Password: climate
Phone number: 415-655-0003
Access code: 145 231 4847

Power Generation Advisory Panel
Thursday, November 5, 2020 9:30 a.m. ET.
View the meeting
Event number: 145 340 6581
Event Password: climate
Phone number: 1-415-655-0003
Access code: 145 340 6581

View all past meeting presentations

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.