News
December 23, 2025Climate Goals Must Be Matched with Realistic Energy Policy
This Letter to the Editor written by Mark Eagan was published in the Times Union on December 22, 2025.
The article “New York’s Climate Act mandates in question” (Dec. 1) and the editorial “Climate Act hits headwinds” (Nov. 16) raise important considerations. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) sets ambitious goals, but its timelines and implementation strategies present challenges that must be addressed.
True climate leadership means balancing aspiration with practicality. New York can champion clean energy while recognizing that natural gas remains an important bridge fuel during the transition. We can reduce carbon emissions while pursuing an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that ensures reliability, affordability and continued environmental progress. Gov. Kathy Hochul deserves credit for grounding energy policy in reality. Now the Legislature must follow suit.
The Capital Region Chamber has long supported efforts to lower carbon intensity. At the same time, energy policy must protect consumers, maintain system reliability and deliver measurable results. Implementing the CLCPA without sufficient renewable capacity risks grid instability and higher costs, as New York Independent System Operator reports have warned. Adjusting the law to reflect current conditions would help ensure progress that is both sustainable and effective.
It’s time to amend the CLCPA to reflect today’s realities. Goals matter, but deliverables matter more. The Chamber stands ready to work with state leaders on a practical, affordable energy plan that moves New York forward responsibly.
The writer is the President and CEO of the Capital Region Chamber and Center for Economic Growth.
