Borrello, Palmesano blast decision to eliminate free gas hookups
By Andrew Harris
Last month, New York State abandoned plans to outlaw natural gas in new construction, indicating a shift away from the electrification of state energy policy. This week Governor Hochul signed new legislation which will deter new gas installations for both commercial and residential construction. While many had hoped Hochul would continue the pivot away from electricification and veto the law, her signature will eliminate the longstandnig “100 foot rule.”
That rule provided free natural gas line installation and hookups within 100 feet of a main gas line. State Senator George Borrello estimated that without that installation provided to new builds, it could cost residential builders up to $14,000 to install a natural gas service. Borrello went on to say:
“Governor Hochul’s decision to sign the repeal of the so-called ‘100-foot rule’ is yet another irresponsible, politically motivated move driven by a desire to appease the far left, even as she knows the serious risks these policies pose to New York’s economy, housing costs, and energy reliability. This decision ignores the very real financial pressures facing New York families.
New Yorkers should understand that this law is part of a broader effort by radical activists and their Democrat allies to dismantle the state’s dependable natural gas system without a realistic plan to replace it.”
Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is voicing his outrage at Gov. Hochul for signing the repeal of New York’s 100-foot rule. Palmesano made a plea for the Governor to veto the proposal last week, which clearly fell on deaf ears.
Palmesano called out the governor for her hypocrisy, as she previously voiced her support for an all-of-the-above approach to energy in New York”
“When the governor voiced her support for a common-sense, all-of-the-above approach for New York energy, I was encouraged, but it seems that we simply cannot trust Kathy Hochul to keep her word. Instead of actually going forward with such an approach, she has decided to join legislative Democrats in their effort to dismantle the affordable and reliable natural gas infrastructure, supply and delivery system in New York and move ahead on their plan to full electrify New York’s energy grid. This is part of their climate agenda designed to take away consumer choice on how you heat your home, cook your food, power your buildings and the vehicle you drive. It will jeopardize the reliability of the grid and continue our nation-leading outmigration of more New York families and businesses leaving our state. I condemn the governor’s decision to sign this reckless bill in the strongest terms possible,” concluded Palmesano.
Assemblyman Palmesano represents the 132nd District, which includes Schuyler County, Yates County and parts of Chemung County, Seneca County and Steuben County. For more information about Assemblyman Palmesano, please follow him on Facebook.
