Erie County Republican Legislators are standing in opposition to overly aggressive and dangerous energy proposals put forth by some Democrat Albany lawmakers. Legislators John Mills, Chris Greene, Frank Todaro, and Lindsay Lorigo submitted a resolution in support of Congressman Nick Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act, which would safeguard households, small businesses, hospitals, farmers and manufacturers from government overreach and allow them continued access to multiple energy forms, including natural gas.
“More lives would have very likely been lost in the Blizzard of 2022 but for the access of natural gas for stoves and to heat homes. Albany is setting unrealistic goals. We all see what happens in Buffalo winters. We cannot be so reliant on limited energy sources,” said Minority Leader Legislator John Mills.
New York State enacted the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) in 2019, mandating aggressive emissions reductions and sweeping energy restrictions, including efforts to phase out natural gas.
“This Act is not only unreasonable, but it is also dangerous,” said Legislator Frank Todaro. “Lawmakers supporting this overly aggressive energy policy are putting lives at risk. We’re taking away the freedom of people to choose the best energy source for their needs.”
“All politicians should be fighting for the working class. By eliminating the option of utilizing natural gas, it escalates the cost of new construction as well as utility costs for existing homes, making home ownership more difficult. Everybody needs to heat their homes. The doctors in the hospitals are able to absorb these costs much easier than the cafeteria workers who feed them. We shouldn’t lose focus of the ones we represent,” said Legislator Chris Greene.
Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature enacted provisions in the 2023 state budget banning natural gas and other fossil fuel hookups in most new residential and commercial buildings, effective 2026 for smaller buildings and 2029 for larger buildings.
“We’ve been hearing many complaints about people’s energy bills going up. This isn’t the fault of the utility; it’s the fault of Albany politicians trying to force a dangerous mandate on New York State residents. It’s time Albany puts the safety and needs of residents first,” said Legislator Lindsay Lorigo.
In the resolution, Erie County Legislature Republicans are urging Congress to pass the Energy Choice Act, defending consumer choice, protecting energy affordability, and preserving reliable access to natural gas.
