Environmental groups, including Earthjustice and the Sierra Club, are suing New York Governor Kathy Hochul to enforce the state’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, aimed at reducing carbon emissions. These groups have reported significant revenues, with Earthjustice at $139 million and the Sierra Club at $173 million. They argue that Hochul has failed to draft necessary implementation rules for the law.
A state Supreme Court judge previously sided with the activists, requiring the state to create these rules. In response, Hochul has proposed extending compliance timelines, claiming that stringent measures would lead to increased costs for New Yorkers.
Critics highlight the substantial wealth of these environmental organizations, suggesting they use their financial power to influence liberal politicians. Pro-business advocates, like Paul Zuber of the New York State Business Council, note this irony, pointing out that environmentalists operate with resources comparable to large corporations. Meanwhile, other plaintiffs in the lawsuit, such as Citizen Action of New York City and People for Sustainable Housing, also demonstrate notable financial backing.
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