Local Government Resolutions
Are you and your residents sick of top-down Albany policies that limit your energy choices and raise your energy bills? Urge your local government to pass one of these resolutions calling on your state elected officials to step up and DO SOMETHING that lowers your energy costs!
Resolution No. [XXXX] – Protecting New York’s Energy Choice and Consumer Rights
Whereas, the citizens of New York State have a fundamental right to reliable, affordable energy;
Whereas, proposed energy regulations threaten consumer choice and economic stability;
Whereas,this governmental body asserts the following:
Whereas, current regulatory efforts seek to restrict consumer energy choices; this governmental body strongly opposes any regulatory efforts that:
- Restrict access to natural gas infrastructure and appliances
- Impose unilateral electrification mandates
- Expand scope or authority of the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) without local consent
Whereas, energy and environmental regulations require thorough economic analysis; we demand all newly proposed energy and environmental regulations must:
- Undergo a comprehensive, independent cost-benefit analysis
- Be suspended until economic impacts are thoroughly evaluated
- Receive explicit legislative approval before implementation
Whereas, local governance and energy sovereignty are fundamental rights; Therefore, this governmental body affirms:
- The principle of home rule in energy policy decisions
- Support for an “All of the Above” energy strategy that builds and maintains infrastructure that is robust and diversified across energy sources
- Commitment to American energy production and infrastructure
- Opposition to the NY HEAT Act and similar legislation increasing consumer energy costs without any discernible or quantified environmental impact improvement
Whereas, utility fees and taxes should reflect democratic process; any new utility-related fees must:
- Be directly passed by the elected New York State Legislature
- Cannot be imposed through unilateral Public Service Commission orders
- Require full transparency and public hearings with public participation
Therefore, be it resolved that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor, State Legislature, and relevant state agencies.
Resolution No. [XXXX] – Balanced Approach to Energy Policy and Consumer Protection
Whereas, New York State seeks to balance environmental responsibilities with economic considerations;
Whereas, energy policy must consider both sustainability and affordability;
Whereas, energy transitions require careful, measured approaches;
Whereas, the this governmental body recommends a strategy that:
- Preserves consumer energy choices
- Protects residents from undue financial burden
- Ensures grid reliability and diversity of energy sources
Whereas, comprehensive analysis is crucial for responsible policy-making;
Whereas, this governmental body believes it necessary to encumber the following measures prior to implementing or enacting any new energy policy mandates:
- Undergo rigorous, transparent cost-benefit analysis
- Include comprehensive economic impact assessments
- Provide clear mechanisms for consumer protection
Whereas, local autonomy and diverse energy solutions are essential; this governmental body affirms the importance of:
- Maintaining natural gas infrastructure
- Protecting local government decision-making rights
- Supporting diverse energy production methods
Whereas, consumer interests must remain paramount in energy policy; new energy policies must:
- Prioritize consumer affordability
- Respect local government autonomy
- Prevent arbitrary increases in utility costs
- Ensure fair implementation of any transitional strategies
Therefore, be resolved that this approach seeks collaborative, pragmatic solutions to energy challenges as such we call on New York State to pause implementation of new energy and environmental regulations until the above listed measures can be taken.
Resolution No. [XXXX] – Responsible Energy Transition and Consumer Protections
Whereas, New York State is committed to sustainable energy development;
Whereas, energy policy must balance environmental goals with economic equity;
Whereas, in recognition that energy infrastructure changes require careful, equitable implementation, the this governmental body recommends a strategy that includes the following elements:
- Careful, phased approach to energy infrastructure changes
- Comprehensive assessment of economic and environmental impacts prior to moving to the next phase
- Protects vulnerable communities during energy transitions
Whereas, transparent and thorough policy evaluation is essential; proposed energy regulations must:
- Include detailed cost-benefit analyses
- Demonstrate net positive community outcomes
- Provide clear mitigation strategies for potential economic disruptions
Whereas, community interests and fair transition are paramount; therefore we emphasize the:
- Importance of transparent policy development
- Need for robust consumer protections
- Commitment to gradual, responsible energy system modernization supporting diverse energy sourcing
Whereas, energy policy should prioritize long-term community welfare; energy policy principles should:
- Prioritize long-term sustainability
- Ensure no disproportionate burden on low-income residents
- Maintain flexibility in energy infrastructure development
Therefore, be it further resolved that this approach seeks balanced, forward-thinking energy solutions.