"New York Governor Kathy Hochul's State of the State address failed to provide much comfort to climate activists who have been growing increasingly frustrated with her administration's stance on environmental issues. While Hochul emphasized the need for clean energy, promising to make it more reliable, safe, and affordable, she largely sidestepped key concerns from environmental groups.
The governor announced a significant increase in nuclear power production, aiming to reach 5 gigawatts by 2027 – enough electricity to power 5 million homes. However, critics argue that this plan will lead to increased costs for ratepayers and exacerbate climate pollution. They point out that the construction of new reactors can take up to a decade and cost upwards of $10 billion.
Climate activists also expressed disappointment with Hochul's administration approval of key permits for a natural gas pipeline off New York City's coast, as well as its continued support for a bitcoin mining operation in the Finger Lakes. The governor has delayed state laws aimed at reducing climate pollution, including regulations for the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
One of the areas that caught environmentalists' attention was Hochul's proposal to fast-track housing development by modifying the environmental review process. While proponents argue that this change could lead to more affordable housing, critics warn that it could allow developers to circumvent rules meant to protect the environment and human health.
Despite touting the state's clean energy accomplishments, such as the Champlain Hudson Power Express and a new solar program for farmers, climate activists say that Hochul is not doing enough to advance renewable energy. They argue that the governor should prioritize new renewable projects and accelerate their development, rather than relying on outdated nuclear power plants.
The overall response to Hochul's State of the State address was one of disappointment from environmental groups, who feel that the governor has not done enough to address climate change and promote sustainable development in New York."
The governor announced a significant increase in nuclear power production, aiming to reach 5 gigawatts by 2027 – enough electricity to power 5 million homes. However, critics argue that this plan will lead to increased costs for ratepayers and exacerbate climate pollution. They point out that the construction of new reactors can take up to a decade and cost upwards of $10 billion.
Climate activists also expressed disappointment with Hochul's administration approval of key permits for a natural gas pipeline off New York City's coast, as well as its continued support for a bitcoin mining operation in the Finger Lakes. The governor has delayed state laws aimed at reducing climate pollution, including regulations for the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
One of the areas that caught environmentalists' attention was Hochul's proposal to fast-track housing development by modifying the environmental review process. While proponents argue that this change could lead to more affordable housing, critics warn that it could allow developers to circumvent rules meant to protect the environment and human health.
Despite touting the state's clean energy accomplishments, such as the Champlain Hudson Power Express and a new solar program for farmers, climate activists say that Hochul is not doing enough to advance renewable energy. They argue that the governor should prioritize new renewable projects and accelerate their development, rather than relying on outdated nuclear power plants.
The overall response to Hochul's State of the State address was one of disappointment from environmental groups, who feel that the governor has not done enough to address climate change and promote sustainable development in New York."
. I know she's trying to do what's best for NY, but climate activists are getting really frustrated with her lack of action on renewable energy. 5 gigawatts of nuclear power? That's just not enough 
. And those permits for the natural gas pipeline off NYC's coast... no thanks 
. We need more solar and wind farms, not old-school nukes that are gonna cost us all in the long run 
. And what about that housing development proposal? Isn't that just a way to speed up gentrification and push low-income communities out of their homes 
? I'm all for affordable housing, but we gotta do it right and with some serious environmental protections in place 
. We need Hochul to step up her game on climate change and make some real changes 
.
. I mean, come on, $10 billion for 5 million homes worth of electricity? sounds like a recipe for disaster 
it's all about the benjamins, folks 
. I get why the gov is trying to find ways to increase clean energy production, but increasing nuclear power isn't exactly the answer, you know? 
We should be investing in newer, cleaner tech like solar and wind instead of relying on old-school nuclear 
. And can we talk about this pipeline off NYC's coast? It just feels so... counterintuitive 
The gov needs to do better, I think 
. Climate activists were hoping for some major announcements on renewable energy, but it seems like she's still playing it safe 
I get that clean energy is important, but are we really going to rely on an outdated technology like nuclear when we have so many other options available? 
. We need some real solutions, not just band-aid fixes 
.
. It's like we're still stuck in the past 
. Climate activists have every right to be frustrated 
. I guess what they want to hear from leaders is "we've got this" 
.
I mean, come on! 5 million homes powered by nukes? That's like powering a bunch of NYC apartments with nuclear reactors 
. Not exactly the most reassuring thing for climate activists 
. And don't even get me started on that bitcoin mining op in the Finger Lakes... who knew mining bitcoin could be so "green" 
? I guess you could say it's a "gas" to see what's really going on behind the scenes 
. Seriously though, 10 billion bucks for a reactor? That's like buying a new Tesla fleet 
. Can't we just go electric already? 
. And don't even get me started on bitcoin mining - it's just so... dirty 
️.
... it's like she's just rubber-stamping whatever the fossil fuel industry wants 
. We need real action, not just empty words 
.