EPA chief Lee Zeldin blasts NY green energy law as ‘delusional’ and a ‘catastrophe’

New York Post - Apr 21st, 2025

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin criticized New York's Climate Act, labeling it a "left-wing recipe for an energy and economic catastrophe." This comes after the Trump administration halted the Empire Wind Power project, challenging New York's efforts to meet its emission reduction targets. Zeldin argued that New York's climate goals lack a feasible plan and disproportionately affect economically vulnerable populations. He criticized bans on natural gas extraction and gas-powered vehicles, suggesting that reliance on intermittent power like wind is unrealistic. Other energy experts echoed the need to revise New York's climate law to be more practical and less reliant on solar and wind energy.

The Climate Act, approved under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040. However, the plan faces criticism for its ambitious mandates and potential economic impact, with utility companies proposing rate hikes to cover green compliance costs. The suspension of the Empire Wind project by the Trump administration and potential cuts to renewable energy tax credits further complicate New York's green transition. Governor Kathy Hochul has not committed to amending the Act, despite bipartisan calls for a more balanced approach. The situation underscores the tension between environmental goals and economic viability, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Kathy Hochul Trump Administration Energy Policy Renewable Energy Lee Zeldin Empire Wind Power Project New York Climate Act Emission Reduction

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant discussion on New York's climate policies, highlighting significant public interest in the economic and environmental impacts of these initiatives. However, the piece leans towards a critical perspective, primarily presenting the viewpoints of critics without equally representing supporting arguments for the Climate Act. The reliance on a limited range of sources and the lack of detailed verification for key claims affect the article's accuracy and source quality. Despite these weaknesses, the article is clear and readable, offering a coherent narrative that could engage readers interested in energy policy debates. To enhance its impact and credibility, a more balanced representation of perspectives and robust source attribution would be beneficial.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims that require careful verification, such as the assertion that the Trump administration halted the Empire Wind Power project and the specific targets set by New York's Climate Act. While it accurately quotes Lee Zeldin's criticisms, the piece lacks detailed evidence or citations to support these claims. The mention of Con Edison's proposed rate hikes and the potential slashing of renewable energy tax credits are also areas needing further verification to ensure they are grounded in current policy developments.

Balance

The article heavily emphasizes criticisms of New York's Climate Act, primarily through the lens of Lee Zeldin and other critics. While it includes a brief response from Gov. Kathy Hochul's spokesperson, the overall narrative leans towards a negative portrayal of the climate policies without equally presenting supporting arguments or perspectives from environmental advocates or policymakers who favor the Act. This imbalance could skew reader perception by underrepresenting the rationale behind the Climate Act.

Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, effectively conveying the criticisms of New York's Climate Act and the responses from various stakeholders. The tone remains neutral, though it tends to emphasize the negative aspects of the climate policies. The logical flow of the narrative is maintained, allowing readers to follow the arguments and counterarguments presented, despite the lack of depth in source attribution.

Source quality

The article cites statements from Lee Zeldin, a known political figure, and includes unnamed 'mainstream energy experts' and 'critics.' However, it lacks direct quotes or references from these experts, which diminishes the reliability of the sources. The absence of a diverse range of authoritative sources or direct citations from official documents or studies further weakens the source quality and credibility of the information presented.

Transparency

The article does not provide sufficient context or background information regarding the claims made by Zeldin and others. It lacks transparency in terms of the sources of its data and the methodology used to evaluate the feasibility of New York's climate goals. Additionally, potential conflicts of interest, such as Zeldin's political affiliations and past electoral campaigns, are not disclosed, which could impact the impartiality of his statements.