Fossil fuel, utility lobbyists targeting Gov. Hochul with big spending, new report shows – Gothamist

Report on Fossil Fuel Lobbying and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals in New York State

Executive Summary

A recent report indicates that lobbying expenditures by fossil fuel and utility companies in New York have surged by 52% since Governor Kathy Hochul assumed office in 2021, totaling approximately $16 million. This intensified lobbying effort corresponds with perceived delays and backtracking on the state’s climate and clean energy mandates. These developments present significant challenges to New York’s progress toward key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Analysis of Lobbying Expenditures

Data compiled from public filings by the research nonprofit Little Sis reveals a significant trend in industry spending aimed at influencing state energy policy.

• Total Expenditure: Approximately $16 million was spent on lobbying efforts between August 2021 and August 2025.
• Spending Increase: The sector’s spending increased by nearly 50% in 2023 compared to 2021 and is on a trajectory to surpass previous records.
• Primary Targets: Lobbying efforts have concentrated on the state’s climate law and related legislation designed to facilitate a transition away from fossil fuels.

Top Lobbying Spenders

1. American Chemistry Council: Approximately $3.3 million
2. National Fuel: Approximately $2.7 million
3. Con Edison
4. National Grid

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The increased lobbying and subsequent policy shifts have direct implications for the state’s ability to meet its commitments under the global SDG framework.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The report suggests a correlation between industry lobbying and a stall in the implementation of New York’s climate mandates, undermining progress toward SDG 13.
• Specific policy decisions cited as setbacks to climate action include:
  • The pause of the All Electric Buildings Act, which bans gas hookups in new construction.
  • The approval of a water permit for a new fossil fuel pipeline.
  • The renewal of an air permit for a gas-powered cryptomining plant.
  • A significant delay in the release of draft regulations for the state’s climate law.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Lobbying efforts appear to support the continuation of fossil fuel infrastructure, which directly conflicts with the SDG 7 goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
• The debate highlights the tension between achieving a clean energy transition and industry arguments for balancing sustainability with affordability and reliability, a central challenge of SDG 7.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The scale of financial expenditure on lobbying raises concerns about the potential for undue corporate influence on governmental policy-making.
• This situation challenges the objective of SDG 16 to build effective, accountable, and transparent institutions, as policy decisions may be perceived as favoring private financial interests over public climate goals.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Environmental and Advocacy Groups

• Contend that the $16 million lobbying expenditure is intended to secure policy that benefits corporate interests at the expense of New York’s climate mandates.
• View recent policy decisions as a direct result of this influence, constituting a retreat from established environmental commitments.

Fossil Fuel and Utility Companies

• Representatives from National Grid and Con Edison describe their lobbying activities as a normal and routine part of conducting business as regulated entities.
• They assert support for state climate law while emphasizing that energy policy must balance the complex needs of reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

Governor’s Administration

• A spokesperson stated that policy decisions are made based on the best interests of New Yorkers, focusing on keeping energy reliable and affordable.
• The administration refutes claims of being influenced by lobbying, highlighting its record on clean energy initiatives such as congestion pricing, offshore wind, and solar projects as proof of its commitment to climate action.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
     
     The article directly addresses this target by highlighting how New York state is allegedly failing to integrate its climate goals into policy. It states that lobbying has corresponded with a “retreat from New York’s lofty climate and clean energy goals” and that the governor has “stalled and backtracked on New York’s climate mandates.” Specific examples include delaying the implementation of the state climate law and pausing the All Electric Buildings Act, which are direct setbacks to integrating climate measures into state planning.

2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
     
     The article discusses a conflict between promoting fossil fuels and advancing clean energy. The lobbying efforts by fossil fuel and utility companies, and the subsequent policy decisions like approving a new gas pipeline and renewing an air permit for a gas plant, directly undermine the goal of increasing the share of renewable energy. These actions “threaten to dramatically increase the state’s dependence on fossil fuels,” which is the opposite of the objective of Target 7.2.

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.
     
     While lobbying is legal, the article implies that the large sums of money spent are a form of undue influence that compromises the integrity of political decision-making. The report suggests a correlation between the “$16 million in lobbying fees” and the enactment of a “pro-fossil fuel agenda.” This raises concerns about whether policy decisions are made for the public good or are influenced by powerful corporate financial interests, touching upon the spirit of reducing corrupting influences.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
     
     The article centers on the accountability of the governor’s office. Environmental groups and the report’s authors question whether the government is accountable to its climate mandates and its citizens or to the fossil fuel industry. The article notes that “regular New Yorkers can’t afford this kind of lobbying,” suggesting a lack of accountability to the general populace. The report itself, by analyzing publicly available government filings, is an effort to promote transparency regarding the influence of lobbying on institutions.

4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.
     
     The article mentions several policy decisions that directly affect the environmental impact of cities in New York. The approval of a “new pipeline for New York City,” the renewal of an “air permit for their gas plant” upstate, and the pause on the “All Electric Buildings Act, which bans gas hookups in new buildings” are all actions that can increase pollution and reliance on fossil fuels within urban and community settings, thereby working against the reduction of adverse environmental impacts.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Financial Influence on Policy (Relates to SDG 16.5)

   • Indicator: The total monetary value of lobbying expenditures by the fossil fuel and utility sector.
     
     The article provides precise figures that can be used as an indicator of the level of influence being exerted. It states that these firms “have spent about $16 million to influence Gov. Kathy Hochul since she took office in 2021,” noting a “52% spike.” It also breaks down spending by specific companies, such as the American Chemistry Council ($3.3 million) and National Fuel ($2.7 million). This data serves as a direct measure of the financial resources being deployed to influence policy.

2. Implementation of Climate and Energy Policies (Relates to SDG 13.2 and 7.2)

   • Indicator: The status of key climate and clean energy legislation and regulations.
     
     The article provides several qualitative, event-based indicators of policy regression or stagnation. These include:
     • The pausing of the All Electric Buildings Act.
     • The delay in the implementation of the state climate law, with draft rules being “more than a year” overdue.
     • The approval of permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure (e.g., the pipeline for New York City).
     • The renewal of air permits for existing fossil fuel plants (e.g., the upstate cryptominer gas plant).

     These actions serve as concrete, observable metrics of the state’s (lack of) progress towards its climate and clean energy goals.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: gothamist.com