As part of New York State’s 2026 Enacted Budget, the Legislature will pass several amendments to the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) to align with system composition and development trajectories as evidenced in the 2025 New York State Energy Plan and various New York Independent System Operator, Inc. studies. Key amendments include:

  • Augmenting the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets by adding an interim target of 60% below 1990 levels by 2040;
  • Changing the “accounting methodology” in the CLCPA to reflect emissions levels in New York;
  • Extending the timeline for the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to promulgate regulations to meet targets from 2024 to 2028;
  • Consideration of potential parameters for a “cap and invest” program; and
  • Increasing the goal for disadvantaged communities to receive 45% of benefits with a minimum of 40%.

Click here to read the full GT Alert.

Tags: climate, greenhouse gas, GT Insight, New York
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Photo of Steven C. Russo Steven C. Russo

Steven C. Russo co-chairs the Environmental Practice and chairs the firm’s New York Environmental Practice. He focuses his practice on environmental law and litigation, permitting, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) review, energy project siting, renewable energy, Brownfields…

Steven C. Russo co-chairs the Environmental Practice and chairs the firm’s New York Environmental Practice. He focuses his practice on environmental law and litigation, permitting, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) review, energy project siting, renewable energy, Brownfields redevelopment, toxic tort litigation, including emerging contaminants, environmental crimes, government law and policy, environmental due diligence and risk management, and the environmental components of land use and real estate law. Steven is equally experienced litigating in federal and state courts, as well as counseling his clients with regard to the development of major industrial, energy and residential development projects.

Prior to joining the firm, Steven was the Chief Legal Officer of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. There, he supervised approximately 90 attorneys in Albany, as well as the agency’s nine regional offices. He also supervised the agency’s legislative affairs department and Office of Environmental Justice. At the agency, Steven initiated a reform of the state’s environmental impact review regulations and assessment forms, completed the issuance of new power plant siting regulations pertaining to environmental justice and carbon emissions, and revised the agency’s environmental audit policy.

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Photo of Jane McLaughlin Jane McLaughlin

Jane McLaughlin has wide-ranging governmental and legislative experience, with a strong focus on renewable New York State energy and environmental law, policy, and regulatory issues. She represents many renewable energy developers, advising on state and federal policy matters and regularly providing advice and…

Jane McLaughlin has wide-ranging governmental and legislative experience, with a strong focus on renewable New York State energy and environmental law, policy, and regulatory issues. She represents many renewable energy developers, advising on state and federal policy matters and regularly providing advice and counsel to clients on a broad range of regulatory matters before the New York State Public Service Commission, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting, and the New York Independent System Operator. Prior to joining Greenberg Traurig, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for DEC, Legislative Counsel for the New York State Department of Health, and as Legislative Counsel and Committee Director in the New York State Senate. Jane also has served as counsel to the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officers, working on various matters pertaining to municipal government. In addition to her energy and environmental practice areas, she also advises her clients on a myriad of other policy areas, including transportation, housing, and procurement issues.

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Photo of Jeshica Patel Jeshica Patel

Jeshica Patel focuses her practice on government, law, and policy matters with a focus on New York State environmental and energy issues. She has deep experience representing government agencies and authorities on environmental, energy, and agriculture matters, and coordinating legal affairs for state…

Jeshica Patel focuses her practice on government, law, and policy matters with a focus on New York State environmental and energy issues. She has deep experience representing government agencies and authorities on environmental, energy, and agriculture matters, and coordinating legal affairs for state agencies including the Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Department of Agriculture and Markets, Department of Public Service, Office of Renewable Energy Siting, New York Power Authority, and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Prior to joining Greenberg Traurig, Jeshica served as assistant counsel to Governor Kathy Hochul for Energy, Environment, and Agriculture in the New York State Executive Chamber.

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