The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has finalized regulations to establish a Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. The new rule aims to enhance the state’s ability to identify sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and track progress toward reducing pollution, particularly among large polluters and in disadvantaged communities.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated, “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.”
Governor Kathy Hochul called for this initiative during her 2025 State of the State Address. Following a public comment period that began after draft regulations were released in March 2025—including webinars and hearings—DEC revised aspects of the proposal. Adjustments included extending verification deadlines for the first two years, shortening reporting requirements for closed facilities from three years to one year, clarifying definitions, and aligning with federal standards.
The program requires certain facilities, fuel suppliers, waste haulers, electric power entities, suppliers of agricultural products contributing to GHG emissions, as well as operators of anaerobic digestion or liquid waste storage at specific sites, to report their emissions annually starting in June 2027. Large sources must also have their reports verified by DEC-accredited third-party services. The regulation relies on data already reported under other state or federal rules to limit costs for those required to report.
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, commented on the program: “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.”
This rule is intended solely for data collection; it does not require facilities to reduce their GHG emissions or purchase emission allowances.
In addition to finalizing these regulations, DEC released its 2025 Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report. The annual document details GHG emissions from 1990 through 2023 across all sources in New York. According to this report, statewide gross GHG emissions were about 354 million metric tons in 2023—approximately 14 percent below 1990 levels set as a baseline in DEC’s Part 496 regulation adopted in 2020.
These actions are part of New York’s broader climate agenda aimed at achieving an emission-free economy by 2050 while ensuring equitable benefits for disadvantaged communities through initiatives such as targeted green investments.
More information about the new regulation is available on DEC’s website.
