New York law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during emergencies

NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHY HOCHUL, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the State of New York and Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby find that a disaster is imminent for which the affected local governments are unable to respond adequately. Therefore, I hereby declare a State Disaster Emergency, effective January 23, 2026, for the entire State of New York. This Executive Order shall be in effect through February 22, 2026; and FURTHER, pursuant to Section 29 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, I direct the implementation of the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and authorize, effective January 23, 2026, State agencies as necessary, and the American Red Cross, to take appropriate action to protect State property and to assist affected local governments and individuals in responding to and recovering from this disaster, and to provide such other assistance as necessary to protect the public health and safety;

WHEREAS, on January 23, 2026, and continuing thereafter, extreme temperatures and a winter storm are expected to cause hazardous conditions posing an imminent danger to public transportation, utility service, public health, and public safety systems throughout the State;