NYC Mayoral Candidates Face Off on Climate Policy

In a heated mayoral forum on February 6th, five Democratic primary candidates confronted mounting pressure on climate policy, as more than 500 voters gathered at the New York Society for Ethical Culture.

The candidates Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, and Scott Stringer all pledged to expand public transit, reduce car dependency, and advance renewable energy projects. However, tensions emerged when City Comptroller Brad Lander broke from his rivals by refusing to sign a pledge to immediately divest city pension investments away over climate concerns.

“You can't single out an asset manager amongst the 300 that manage for us by name," Lander said, advocating instead for universal standards that would survive legal challenges. Former Comptroller Scott Stringer fired back, "That was the same argument that people said to me back then, 'don't divest.' It has to change."

On transportation, all candidates committed to expanding bus lanes and improving service. State Senator Zellnor Myrie called New York's slow bus speeds "a source of embarrassment" and pledged to enforce existing laws requiring more dedicated bus lanes. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani highlighted his successful free bus pilot program, while State Senator Jessica Ramos pointed to Bogota's rapid bus system as a model for New York.

The candidates unanimously opposed Mayor Eric Adams' $225 million "Cop City Queens" police training facility proposal, suggesting the funds could be better spent on mental health services or renewable energy. They also unified behind closing Rikers Island by 2027 and converting it to a renewable energy hub, though Lander noted Adams' "foot-dragging" had likely delayed the timeline.

The forum was punctuated by moments of intense audience participation, from an abrupt stage invasion by a protester shouting "Stop lying!" to chants of "Climate, justice, now!" echoing through the hall. "Now I know that everyone here is so passionate about these existential agendas," said Heli Blum, a Queens resident attending the forum. "But these issues are always easier said than done. I want a mayor who can push through and pave the way."

The candidates will meet again February 13th to discuss the city's affordability crisis.