
The End of the “Honor System”, New York Finalizes Rigorous New Climate Reporting Rules
For years, many New York businesses have operated under a “gentleman’s agreement” regarding their environmental impact, relying on voluntary disclosures or broad federal estimates. That era officially ended this winter. On December 25, 2025, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) finalized 6 NYCRR Part 253, a mandatory Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Program that transforms climate data from a corporate social responsibility metric into a high-stakes legal requirement. The program is not merely a paperwork exercise. It is the architectural foundation for New York’s ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which mandates a 40% reduction in economy-wide emissions by 2030. By forcing companies to “show their work,” New York is positioning itself as the most scrutinized business environment in the United States. A Dragnet for Emissions While federal EPA rules typically target only the largest industrial polluters, New York’s Part 253 casts a significantly wider net. The program establishes a primary reporting threshold







































