Tom O’Mara, a New York State Senator and member of several legislative committees including Energy and Telecommunications, shared a series of posts in early April 2026 outlining concerns and recommendations regarding the state’s energy strategy and regulatory oversight.
On April 6, 2026, O’Mara posted: “…repeatedly offered alternative plans and proposals that we believe are more focused on affordability, feasibility, and reliability, and which, if enacted, would better protect ratepayers from what they’re facing now.” He also linked to his weekly column in the same post.
The following day, April 7, he emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES), stating: “…critically important that ORES is fully accountable and transparent…that its actions remain fully in line with strict environmental standards, sensitive to local concerns, and don’t put at risk prime agricultural land and other natural resources.”
Later on April 7, O’Mara addressed the broader direction of New York’s energy transition: “…a call to recalibrate the state’s energy strategy — not to halt the transition to cleaner energy, but to ensure it proceeds in a way that is financially sustainable for ratepayers.”
O’Mara has been active in public service as both a senator representing New York State and previously as an Assembly member for the 137th District. He holds degrees from Syracuse University College of Law (Juris Doctorate) and Catholic University of America (B.A.), according to his official biography. Raised in Horseheads, Chemung County—where he continues to reside—O’Mara has contributed as counsel to community organizations such as the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency. His committee assignments include Finance; Investigations and Government Operations; Codes; Energy and Telecommunications; Insurance; Judiciary; Rules; as well as participation in economic development initiatives like the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council.
These recent statements reflect ongoing debates over balancing environmental goals with economic impacts on local communities throughout New York.
