SC New York News

State Senator Tom O'Mara participated in a joint Senate-Assembly hearing focused on Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2025-2026 New York State budget. The discussion centered around the governor's plans for Environmental Conservation and Energy.

During the hearing, Senator O'Mara sought testimony from leaders of key state agencies, including the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Public Service Commission (PSC), and the New York Power Authority. These agencies are tasked with implementing mandates to meet the objectives of the “Community Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019” (CLCPA).

Senator O’Mara expressed concerns over the lack of detailed cost-benefit analysis for these initiatives, highlighting potential increases in utility costs. He criticized what he described as a lack of transparency regarding the state's climate agenda and energy mandates.

“These massive rate increases are not affordable,” Senator O’Mara said. “We haven’t even touched the tip of the iceberg. When the public knows, you’re going to hear about it. Everything’s being done with smoke and mirrors on this whole thing. There’s no transparency, there’s no forthrightness with the public on what this is going to cost them.”

The hearings will continue through February, featuring testimonies from various officials and stakeholders affected by New York's annual budget.

For more information and to view a schedule of hearings, visit Senator O'Mara's website at www.omara.nysenate.gov.