Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C–LaFayette) said on Mar. 17 that Governor Kathy Hochul is preparing to propose changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), a move he views as inconsistent with her previous support for the policy. Lemondes said this comes as Minority lawmakers have raised concerns about the law’s deadlines and mandates for reducing fossil fuel use, while noting that it is an election year for Hochul.
The CLCPA seeks to achieve zero-emission electricity by 2040 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 85% from 1990 levels by 2050, according to its official website. Recent reports indicate that Hochul has acknowledged these goals may not be attainable without significant increases in energy costs.
Lemondes said he continues to advocate for lowering energy costs through consumer choice and reducing regulations, contrasting his approach with what he described as inconsistency among state Majority lawmakers. “State Majority lawmakers are now openly admitting what we have been saying all along,” said Lemondes. “The CLCPA is unrealistic and is actively raising costs for working families across our state. Now, as we head into an election year, Governor Kathy Hochul is hoping New Yorkers will forget about the years of shameless advocacy she devoted to this failed policy. The governor cannot have it both ways. It is time to stop playing political games and fully repeal the CLCPA to bring down costs for working families.”
Lemondes served in the military for 27 years, including combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, retiring as a colonel in 2014 according to his official website. He comes from a family of veterans and lives with his wife Martha and their children according to the same source. Lemondes was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020 and reelected in 2022 according to his biography.
He attended Paul Smith’s College, Penn State University, Syracuse University, Command & General Staff College, and Eisenhower School for National Resource Strategy as noted on his official profile. In addition, Lemondes has served as president of the New York Farmer Veteran Coalition and on the board of Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District according to biographical information. He also commits himself publicly to supporting veterans, first responders, law enforcement personnel, and environmental preservation efforts according to his official website.
