The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has finalized new regulations to create a Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. This initiative is designed to improve the state’s understanding of where greenhouse gas emissions originate and help track progress toward pollution reduction goals.
According to DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, “DEC’s greenhouse gas emissions reporting program and subsequent data collection is critical to the State’s ongoing efforts to protect our environment and improve the health and quality of life of all New Yorkers. The Reporting Rule will enable DEC to collect the information necessary, despite proposed rollbacks on the federal level, and develop effective strategies that reduce harmful air pollution and direct investments where they are most needed. This effort will protect New York’s consumers, help to ensure cleaner air and better health, and promote economic competitiveness across the state.”
The move follows direction from Governor Kathy Hochul in her 2025 State of the State Address for DEC to advance such a program. Draft regulations were released in March 2025, with more than 3,000 public comments received through July 1. Informational webinars were held in May and public hearings took place in June.
In response to public input, DEC made adjustments to provide additional flexibility for regulated parties. Changes include extending verification deadlines for the first two years, shortening reporting requirements for closed facilities from three years to one year, clarifying definitions, and improving alignment with federal rules.
The new program focuses solely on collecting data; it does not require facilities to reduce emissions or obtain emission allowances. Starting June 2027, facilities that meet certain criteria must submit annual reports detailing their greenhouse gas emissions from the previous year. Some larger sources will also need third-party verification by entities accredited by DEC.
By relying on existing state and federal data reporting systems where possible, the rule aims to minimize costs for those required to report. Given potential changes at the federal level regarding air quality regulation, New York’s system is intended as a safeguard for continued access to essential emissions data.
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), stated: “The information compiled through the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program will provide an essential accounting of the largest sources of emissions to establish the baseline that must be addressed to achieve measurable reductions and cleaner air across the state. This rule represents a significant step forward and will inform policies and programs administered by NYSERDA to further support New York’s businesses and communities in understanding how they can increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions.”
Entities required to report annually include owners or operators of facilities emitting over 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year—such as electricity generators, landfills, waste-to-energy plants—and suppliers of fuel that result in any GHG emissions when used in-state. Other covered groups are waste haulers exporting large amounts out-of-state for disposal or combustion; electric power entities importing megawatt hours into New York; suppliers of agricultural lime or fertilizer leading to GHG generation; as well as some wastewater treatment plants handling significant waste volumes.
Further details about these regulations are available on DEC’s website.
Additionally, DEC has published its 2025 Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report covering data from 1990 through 2023. The report indicates overall reductions in statewide greenhouse gas levels compared with those measured in 1990—specifically noting that gross GHG emissions stood at roughly 354 million metric tons in 2023 (about a 14 percent drop below baseline).
This annual reporting helps measure progress against limits set under regulations adopted by DEC in 2020 as part of broader climate legislation.
New York’s climate agenda emphasizes transitioning toward clean energy while ensuring affordability and prioritizing benefits for disadvantaged communities—including investing at least one-third of funds into those areas—with an aim toward an emissions-free economy by mid-century.
