STATEMENT FROM NEW YORKERS FOR AFFORDABLE ENERGY 

Responding to Gov. Hochul’s 2024 State of the State Address

“We are pleased to see the Governor zero in on affordability as a major theme of her 2024 State of the State address. As an organization, we have long believed that making sure working families can live and thrive in our communities. should be the most important factor driving our state’s policy makers. We applaud Governor Hochul for not endorsing the entirety of the NY Heat Act, and for wisely choosing to buck extremists and leave out any mention of their 6% wealth redistribution scheme. We do, however, take issue with her endorsement of ending the “100-foot rule” for gas infrastructure because it threatens good paying union jobs at a time when our state can ill afford such losses. In many areas, natural gas is the most affordable option for an average family. This proposal would move this choice out of reach for all but the most affluent families. New York continues to lead the nation in population loss. It is essential that we change course now before it is too late. Ongoing costs being driven by New York’s well-intentioned but poorly executed climate goals are a major factor behind increasing utility bills. These increases hurt consumers and businesses alike. Further, these same bills are making New York uncompetitive and driving more and more of our citizens to seek opportunity elsewhere. This year, instead of letting ideology lead the way, let us all work together on an affordable and environmentally responsible energy agenda grounded in reality and common sense.”