Congressman Nick Langworthy announced that the Energy Choice Act has passed out of the House Energy Subcommittee. The legislation aims to prevent state and local governments from banning specific energy sources, such as natural gas, and to protect consumers’ ability to choose affordable and reliable energy options for their homes and businesses.
Langworthy said, “Banning natural gas in New York is one of the most reckless and clueless policies ever pushed on working families. 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 bill was introduced in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed ban on natural gas in new construction projects in New York State. According to independent analysts cited by Langworthy’s office, such a ban could lead to increased costs for residents during periods of already high home-energy prices.
The Energy Choice Act now moves forward for consideration by the full Energy & Commerce Committee. The legislation has gained backing from over 200 local governments through resolutions of support as well as 124 co-sponsors in the House representing multiple states. Numerous industry groups have also endorsed the bill.
Langworthy criticized Governor Hochul’s decision-making regarding the timing of implementing the ban: “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.”
In addition to support in the House, U.S. Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia is sponsoring companion legislation in the Senate.
Organizations supporting Langworthy’s bill include major trade associations such as 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), Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), Americans for Prosperity (AFP), among others.
