SC New York News

State Senator Tom O’Mara and Senate Republicans, along with business and labor leaders, have come together to voice their strong opposition to the recently approved "New York Heat Act." Senator O’Mara emphasized his concerns about the potential impacts of the legislation, stating, "The New York Heat Act is a disaster on the horizon for the vast majority of middle-class ratepayers." He criticized the Albany Democrats for imposing unaffordable clean energy mandates without considering their affordability or feasibility.

Daniel Ortega, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Affordable Energy, supported the Senate GOP's stance, expressing gratitude to Leader Ortt and the Senate Republican Conference for standing against costly and ill-conceived energy policies. Ortega stressed the importance of implementing a realistic plan that protects jobs, reduces emissions, and keeps costs reasonable for consumers.

Senator Mario Mattera echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic approach to energy policy. He warned against the potential trillions in costs and job losses that could result from the New York Heat Act, advocating for a more sensible and sustainable path forward.

Since the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019, Senate and Assembly Republicans have been seeking clarity on the costs and implications of the state's climate agenda. They have raised concerns about the economic impact of broad mandates and questioned the feasibility of the goals set by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrat-controlled Legislature.

The Senate Republican Conference has unanimously opposed measures like the NY Heat Act, citing their potential to raise rates for the majority of New Yorkers, eliminate local jobs, and burden homeowners with additional costs. O’Mara criticized the legislation, pointing out that while it may cap utility costs for some, the funding needed to sustain the grid would ultimately fall on the shoulders of those not receiving assistance.

The Senate approved the NY Heat Act, with the Senate Republican Conference unanimously voting against it. The legislation is now under consideration by the Assembly Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions Committee. Governor Hochul has included a version of the act in her proposed 2024-2025 Executive Budget, referring to it as "The Affordable Gas Transition Act."

The opposition from Senate Republicans, business leaders, and labor organizations underscores the growing concerns over the potential economic repercussions of the New York Heat Act and the need for a more balanced and sustainable approach to energy policy in the state.