All Electric Buildings Act (S.6843-B / A.8431-A)
March 9th, 2022
RE: AN ACT to prohibit the construction of new buildings that are not all-electric
MEMORANDUM IN OPPOSITION
Upstate United, a non-partisan, pro-taxpayer, pro-economic growth, education and advocacy coalition made up of business and trade organizations from all parts of Upstate New York, opposes this legislation.
The repercussions from this bill would be disastrous for New York. The first and most severe consequence of this bill would be the greatly increased risk of losing power during harsh New York winters. A study from GTI Energy found that power system outages are more than 100 times more frequent than gas system outages. Large-scale outages could put millions of New Yorkers at risk during the winter months.
Banning natural gas would further increase energy prices. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas is the most popular home heating fuel in the state. More than 60% of New Yorkers use natural gas to heat their homes. At a time where New York is facing an unprecedented outmigration and already rapidly rising energy costs, the solution is not to make things even more expensive.
This measure would remove consumer choice on how they heat/power their homes and businesses. It’s also detrimental to consumers who live in areas where electricity simply isn’t as reliable or available as natural gas. Albany should be looking to assist its residents, not harm them with yet another price increase.
New York’s Climate Action Council recently released its Draft Scoping Plan. In accordance with the CLCPA, New York residents have a right to participate in public hearings and comment on the plan via www.ny.climate.gov. Voting on this bill now would thwart public input and render meaningless any comments that the public has a statutory right to provide. It would be a display of sheer disregard and contempt of the will of the public and a slap in the face to hard working New Yorkers who are being told by their leaders that they value their feedback. The Climate Action Council is currently reviewing electrification of buildings in accordance with the CLCPA. Rather than rush a flawed and costly proposal, and attempt to preempt and deny public input, the Legislature should let the Council complete its work. This bill would put the lives of New Yorkers at risk, drive up the cost of energy and doing business in New York, and drive out more New Yorkers who prefer choices – not mandates.