Republican caucus resolution passes in Erie County Legislature
The Erie County Legislature passed a resolution Thursday, January 19, 2023 in opposition to Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed ban on natural gas heating and appliances. By a vote of 11-0 Erie County lawmakers rejected Albany’s plan to end the sale of new fossil powered heating equipment by 2030, calling the idea reckless and dangerous.
“We need to send a strong message to Albany,” said Legislator Christopher Greene (6th District). “In a region with extreme weather patterns, we need multiple energy sources. Natural gas was how many people survived during the recent storm. I’m glad to have sponsored this resolution and happy to have legislature support.”
Legislator Greene introduced the resolution after Governor Kathy Hochul outlined her plans in her recent State of the State Address. “It is ill-conceived and disastrous for New York. Our current grid is unable to handle the demand and we will have to increase our reliance on coal-fired power generation plants in Pennsylvania. We need to have myriad energy sources, as demonstrated by the recent blizzard,” said Legislator Greene.
The Climate Action Council concluded in a recent report that regions with frequent cold or adverse weather conditions need more than one heating source.
“The Governor’s proposal will be bad for development, bad for our state’s economy, and ultimately bad for our residents,” said Legislator Greene.