States Rethink Climate Laws as Gas Prices Spike: States of Play

April 6, 2026, 6:30 PM UTC
Kathy Hochul
Kathy Hochul
Photographer: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg

As countries and consumers embrace renewable energy in the wake of the Iran war, skyrocketing gasoline prices in the US are fueling efforts to weaken state climate laws, Todd Woody reports.

  • Renewable energy mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generally have little impact on US gas prices, according to experts.
  • But the growing pain at the pump has charged debates in California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York over whether climate action is affordable as households face rising costs for electricity, groceries and housing.
  • “The war in Iran is driving up gas prices at the pump to the breaking ...

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