Senator Gallivan Backs Legislation to Combat Rising Energy Costs Under Unrealistic Climate Agenda

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) and members of the Senate Minority Conference introduced a package of legislation aimed at increasing energy production around the state and providing ratepayers with increased transparency surrounding the true costs of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The proposals come in response to proposed rate increases by utility companies across New York, including National Grid, which proposed rate increases of 15% for electricity and 20% for natural gas and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), which backed off a proposed 156.6% increase over 4 years on hydroelectric. 

The CLCPA has left companies scrambling to meet unrealistic emissions goals and unachievable deadlines. State Comptroller Thomas Dinapoli recently called for improved planning to achieve these goals due to a conservative cost estimate of $340 billion that will fall to the foot of the ratepayers. 

“Many of the mandates under the CLCPA are not only unrealistic, but they are also cost prohibitive,” Senator Gallivan said. “As utility companies scramble to meet these harsh regulations, residents and businesses are being hit with dramatic increases for both natural gas and electricity. We need to re-consider these mandates and develop a plan that is achievable and affordable.”

Senator Gallivan co-sponsors a series of bills to address these issues: 

S.1167 - Repeals the All-Electric Buildings Act. The All-Electric Buildings Act prohibits gas, oil and propane equipment and building systems in new buildings beginning at the end of this year, a mandate that would drive up the costs of new construction.

S.1178 - Provides tax credits to build out gas infrastructure to rural areas where higher emitting fuel sources are typically used.

S.1927 - Establishes the commission on reopening the Indian Point energy center. The ill-conceived closure of Indian Point resulted in a substantial amount of clean, reliable energy coming offline. With other states looking to reopen nuclear power plants, it makes sense for New York to do the same with Indian Point.  Adds nuclear energy to the list of energy sources the State considers renewable energy systems.

S.3652 - Prohibits electric vehicle mandates and provides consumers with the choice to select the vehicle of their choice.

S.5436 - Prohibits the closure of power generation facilities before equivalent renewable sources are brought online to ensure a reliable energy grid.

It is time for New York to re-imagine its climate crusade. We love our state and its vast beauty, but we must ensure that residents can afford to live here.   

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