Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing an overhaul of New York's 2019 climate law, shifting the methane measurement timeframe from 20 years to 100 years. This change would align New York with most other states but would significantly reduce the reported warming impact of methane emissions from landfills, agriculture, and gas leaks. The proposal also aims to stop counting methane emissions from natural gas produced in other states. While the administration argues this protects farmers and taxpayers from high costs, scientists warn that weakening these standards undermines the state's ability to hit critical short-term warming targets.
