The 2025-2026 New York legislative session has come to an end.
Despite an incredibly difficult landscape, Mothers Out Front members showed what collective action can accomplish. Across New York, moms and caregivers used their voices, organized rallies, attended meetings, and demanded that Governor Hochul prioritize our children’s health and future.
Now that the New York legislative session has ended, we’re ready to break down the outcome. Although there were disappointing setbacks, there were also important climate victories worth celebrating.
Climate Law Rollbacks Move Forward
Governor Hochul successfully weakened portions of New York’s climate law during budget negotiations, including:
- Climate law regulations pushed to the end of 2028.
- Interim emissions reduction goal pushed back to 2040.
- Emissions accounting methods changed so that they no longer fully reflect methane’s climate impact, making progress appear greater than it is.
These changes are frustrating and unnecessary at a time when climate change impacts are getting worse, and communities are demanding action.
At the same time, however, several key pieces of New York’s climate framework remain intact. The state’s binding 2050 emissions-reduction and renewable-energy targets remain in place, and funding to marginalized communities has increased.
Most importantly, your advocacy made a difference. Without the pressure from moms and caregivers, the rollbacks could have been much worse.
Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act On Hold
Unfortunately, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) did not get a vote this session. This bill would have significantly reduced plastic pollution and costs for local governments in addition to protecting the health of our communities from its harms. Despite public support and tremendous advocacy efforts, including those of our chapters, industry lobbying succeeded in blocking the bill’s advancement this year.
But the fight is not over.
Momentum continues to build, and we will return next session ready to push forward.
Reasons for Hope
Although there were setbacks, there were also several wins that will continue pushing New York towards its climate and clean energy goals.
$1 Billion Sustainable Future Program
New York approved a major investment package that includes:
- Funding to help schools transition to cleaner energy systems.
- Support for low-income households to weatherize homes and improve energy efficiency.
- Development of thermal energy networks.
- Incentives for rooftop and community solar projects.
The SUNNY Act Passes
This act will expand access to plug-in (or balcony) solar systems. This is particularly important for renters and residents who can’t install rooftop solar but still want to access clean, affordable energy.
Healthy Homes Right to Know Act Passes
This requires health warnings on gas stoves, helping consumers make informed choices about indoor air quality and be notified of the health risks associated with gas appliances.
Data Center Moratorium
Lawmakers approved a one-year moratorium on new large data center permits. If signed by Governor Hochul, the law would pause new development, require local public hearings before construction, and mandate a statewide environmental impact report for all data centers. This is an important first step in addressing the growing energy demands posed by large-scale data center expansion.
The 100-Foot Rule Repeal Enforcement
Last year, we successfully fought to repeal the outdated 100-Foot Rule. This year, New York released regulations to enforce the repeal and has opened a public comment period. Please submit a comment to the Department of Public Service to show your support for the regulations. We must stay vigilant to hold on to our wins and to remind lawmakers that we’re still paying attention.
Our Work Continues
The end of the New York legislative session is not the end of our work. Across the state, we continue organizing to stop new gas projects, make polluters pay, expand access to clean energy, and ensure that our elected officials follow through on their climate commitments.
We are proud of the incredible work of our members and our partners across the state. We’re especially excited to welcome new organizing efforts, including a new Mothers Out Front chapter in Elmira, NY, led by Tanisha Logan-Lattimore, and a growing chapter in Brooklyn.
If moms and caregivers continue to speak up, we can build our power statewide and create the future our kids deserve. Ready to get involved? We’d love to connect with you!
Reach out to Sarah Smiley at sarah.smiley@mothersoutfront.org to learn about opportunities to take action in your community.
Together, we can continue building the power needed to create a healthier, safer future for all kids.