Says vote shows opposition is growing as communities learn of Governor’s plan
Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro today applauded the Lancaster Town Board’s vote rejecting Albany’s plans to ultimately ban natural gas appliances in homes and businesses. Legislator Todaro attended the town board’s February 6 meeting to speak out on the proposed ban just prior to the council’s vote.
“We can’t be silent. If we sit and do nothing then out of touch Albany lawmakers will continue to encroach on our freedoms,” said Legislator Todaro. “I’m glad the Lancaster Town Board decided to take a stand, and I hope other communities follow suit. So many of us relied on our gas stoves and fireplaces to take care of our families in the December blizzard. To deny us that right is unfathomable. Western New Yorkers know you can’t rely on the grid to get us through a winter. And no politician should have the right to tell us what kind of appliances we can use in our homes,” said Todaro.
By a vote of 4-0 town of Lancaster lawmakers passed a resolution opposing the natural gas ban. “This resolution has nothing to do with politics. It was born out of the concern for the safety and pocketbooks of our residents in Lancaster,” said Lancaster town councilman Bob Leary. “During the recent December blizzard our first responders had to make numerous rescues. We have great concerns as to how we would be able to deal with a similar storm if all our residents had was electric to heat their homes. If the electric goes out, and that was the only heat source we would be overwhelmed with the need to rescue residents who had no way to stay warm. That would be a disaster,” Leary said.
Legislator Todaro started a petition opposing the ban. You can find a link to it on the Legislator Frank Todaro Facebook page.
“The Governor has indicated she plans to follow through with this ban. This will hurt businesses and families. It will deliver a devastating blow to our state and region. The time to speak up is now,” said Legislator Todaro.