BUFFALO, NY — Erie County Legislator Lindsay Lorigo has introduced two resolutions supporting state legislation that would allow Erie County and other local governments to opt out of forced electrification mandates and protect residents’ ability to choose their energy source.
The first resolution supports A9189, known as the Upstate Energy Choice Act. This legislation would allow communities outside of New York City to opt out of the statewide ban on natural gas and other fossil fuel equipment in new construction. In short, it protects the ability to install gas equipment in new builds rather than forcing all-electric construction in areas that do not have the infrastructure to support it.
The second resolution supports A8996, which would authorize local governments to opt out of the universal electrification mandates and benchmarks established under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. These mandates push an all-electric transition that our current grid is not equipped to handle.
“This is common sense legislation that Erie County should support,” said Legislator Lorigo. “We do not have the grid capacity to convert our homes, vehicles, and businesses to all-electric. Pretending otherwise is irresponsible — and expensive. The cost of these mandates doesn’t disappear; it gets passed directly to ratepayers. Families are already opening astronomical utility bills. Forcing policies that drive those costs even higher makes no sense.”
Lorigo emphasized that Western New York relies heavily on natural gas for safe and reliable heating, particularly during severe winter weather. Much of the region’s housing stock was built decades ago and was not designed for full electrification. Eliminating practical energy options without adequate infrastructure in place raises both affordability and public safety concerns.
The resolutions are co-sponsored by Legislators Mills, Todaro, and Greene, who support policies that prioritize reliability, affordability, and public safety.
