Congressman Nick Langworthy announced that the Energy Choice Act, a bill he introduced, has advanced out of the House Energy Subcommittee. The legislation aims to prevent state and local governments from banning certain energy sources, such as natural gas, and is intended to protect consumers’ ability to choose their preferred energy source.
Langworthy said the bill’s passage in subcommittee represents progress for New Yorkers who oppose Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed ban on natural gas in new construction. “Banning natural gas in New York is one of the most reckless and clueless policies ever pushed on working families,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “It rips away an affordable, reliable energy source and replaces it with higher costs, weaker grids, and winter blackouts waiting to happen. It’s dangerous, it’s out of touch, and it’s going to have a cataclysmic effect on our energy supply, economy, and New Yorkers’ budgets. I’m so pleased that my Energy Choice Act has garnered incredible support, but we must keep this momentum going to get it passed and signed into law.”
The proposed state ban would affect new construction projects by prohibiting the use of natural gas. According to independent analysts cited by Langworthy’s office, such a move could increase costs for homeowners at a time when energy prices are already high.
Langworthy also criticized Governor Hochul for what he described as delaying tactics related to implementing the ban until after upcoming elections. He stated: “There is zero doubt that after the election, Governor Hochul will pull the rug out from New Yorkers and implement her law—that’s why it’s more important than ever to pass my Energy Choice Act to ensure that New Yorkers have federal protections against this radical, dangerous ban. New York is already on its knees facing the worst affordability crisis in the nation—this would send us off the cliff with no return.”
The Energy Choice Act now moves forward for consideration by the full House Energy & Commerce Committee. In addition to bipartisan backing in Congress—with 124 co-sponsors from multiple states—the bill has received endorsements from over 200 local governments nationwide and numerous industry organizations.
U.S. Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia is sponsoring companion legislation in the Senate.
Organizations supporting the bill include major trade associations such as the American Gas Association (AGA), American Petroleum Institute (API), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), among others.
