Governor Kathy Hochul Recognized as a Global Climate Leader, Driving Climate Action in New York State

Strategic Insights -

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has been named to the 2025 TIME100 Climate list, recognizing her leadership in driving business climate action globally. As a co-founder of the US Climate Alliance, Governor Hochul has been instrumental in reducing net greenhouse gas emissions 24 percent below 2005 levels among the 24 alliance states. Under her leadership, New York has made significant strides in climate resilience, launching the New York State Adaptation and Resilience Plan and committing historic levels of resources to protecting coastlines.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul has been recognized as a global climate leader by TIME Magazine, named to the 2025 TIME100 Climate list.
  • She serves as Co-Chair of the US Climate Alliance and has led efforts to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions 24 percent below 2005 levels among the 24 alliance states.
  • New York State has launched the New York State Adaptation and Resilience Plan, a first-of-its-kind initiative to prepare communities for climate challenges.
  • The state has committed historic levels of resources to protecting coastlines, including $4.2 billion in the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
  • Governor Hochul has championed the Green Resiliency Grant program, dedicating millions in funding to support flood-prone communities.
  • She has also launched the Resilient Economic Development Initiative (REDI), deploying $300 million to Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shoreline communities.
  • Governor Hochul has made historic investments in a greener economy through the $1 billion Sustainable Future Program, which accelerates New York's transition to a clean energy economy and creates thousands of family-sustaining jobs.
  • The program includes $150 million for the Green Small Buildings Program and $200 million through the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to finance renewable energy projects.
  • Governor Hochul has also passed green legislation, including the Green CHIPS bill, providing up to $10 billion in incentives for semiconductor manufacturing projects that commit to environmental sustainability measures.

Statistics:

  • 24 percent reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions among the 24 alliance states.
  • $4.2 billion in the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
  • $300 million in the Resilient Economic Development Initiative (REDI).
  • $1 billion in the Sustainable Future Program.
  • $30 million in Environmental Bond Act funding for coastal protection projects.
  • 180,000 jobs created in the clean energy sector.

Sources:

  • "Governor Kathy Hochul named to 2025 TIME100 Climate list." New York State Office of the Governor.
  • "New York State Adaptation and Resilience Plan." New York State Office of the Governor.
  • "Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act." New York State Office of the Governor.
  • "Sustainable Future Program." New York State Office of the Governor.
  • "Green CHIPS bill." New York State Office of the Governor.