Lobbying firms for fossil fuel and utility companies have spent about $16 million to influence Gov. Kathy Hochul since she took office in 2021, according to a new report by a consortium of environmental groups – a 52% spike from the start of the reporting period.

The research nonprofit Little Sis analyzed data from publicly available government filings from the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying from August 2021 through August 2025. The spending has corresponded with Hochul’s retreat from New York’s lofty climate and clean energy goals that gained significant momentum under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo – a retreat that has raised alarms among environmental groups.

“As she has stalled and backtracked on New York’s climate mandates, Hochul has embraced projects that threaten to dramatically increase the state’s dependence on fossil fuels,” the report states.

Last year, the fossil fuel and utility sector spent nearly $4 million, around 50% more on lobbying compared to 2021. The sector is on track to outspend 2024 this year, with just over $3 million spent through August 2025.

Many of the sector’s lobbying efforts targeted the state climate law and related legislation, according to the report’s authors and backers, which also include NY Renews and Strong Economy For All.

“This is money that they're spending on professionals whose job it is to influence government, to secure policy that benefits the companies themselves that benefits the corporation's bottom line,” said Robert Galbraith, the report's lead author.

Environmental advocates are growing frustrated with Hochul after several recent moves that stand to benefit companies reliant on fossil fuels. She has asserted her commitment to being environmentally friendly, while balancing affordability needs and the current federal energy policy.

The top spender for fossil fuel lobbying is the American Chemistry Council, a trade organization that advocates for the chemical industry, with about $3.3 million spent between August 2021 to August 2025. The group was followed by Buffalo area based National Fuel, a gas drilling, pipeline and utility company that serves Western New York, with about $2.7 million.

Con Edison and National Grid, the two utility companies that serve New York City, are also among big spenders on lobbying. Representatives for the companies say their efforts in Albany are just a normal part of doing business.

“As a regulated energy company, National Grid routinely meets with stakeholders including elected officials,” National Grid spokesperson Alexander Starr wrote in a statement.

Con Edison spokesperson Jamie McShane said the utility giant supports the state climate law, including supporting the repeal of the 100-foot rule, legislation that ends gas subsidies and was the subject of the most spending, according to the report.

“Energy policy is complex, and decisions must balance reliability, affordability, and sustainability,” McShane wrote in a statement. “We advocate for practical solutions that serve our customers and the communities we power.”

The lobbying expenditures highlighted in the recent report include staff compensation and activities, such as meeting with government officials; reaching out to communities via mailers; and robocalls to contact local lawmakers, among other strategies. The advocates said the increased lobbying efforts point to the growing influence that the fossil fuel and utility industries have on recent policy in New York state.

In response to questions about the report, Hochul spokesperson Ken Lovett said she makes decisions based on what most benefits New Yorkers.

”Today that means advancing policies that keep the lights on and driving costs down statewide,” Lovett said. “To suggest otherwise is disingenuous and ignores the governor’s strong record on clean energy and climate action, which includes implementing the nation’s first congestion pricing program, pushing forward with offshore wind, solar and other renewable projects despite major federal headwinds, and dedicating a record $1 billion in the current state budget to advancing our nation-leading climate goals.”

In recent weeks, Hochul’s administration approved the water permit for the much-opposed new pipeline for New York City; entered into an agreement with upstate cryptominers to renew an air permit for their gas plant; and paused the All Electric Buildings Act, which bans gas hookups in new buildings starting in January.

She has also delayed the implementation of the state climate law by not releasing regulations. Draft rules were due more than a year ago

“It certainly seems like the price tag for getting a pro-fossil fuel agenda enacted is about $16 million in lobbying fees,” Alex Patterson, campaigns coordinator at environmental group Public Power NY, wrote in a statement. “Unfortunately, regular New Yorkers can't afford this kind of lobbying, so we have to rely on organizing to build enough power to make Governor Hochul do the right thing. We've done it before, and we will do it again.”

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the attribution of a quote from Public Power NY.