Out-of-Touch Amicus Brief Supports Saddling New Yorkers with Thousands in New Costs

April 29th, 2026

The following statement is attributable Justin Wilcox, Executive Director, Upstate United in response to an amicus brief filed by some New York State lawmakers in support of petitioners suing the Department of Environmental Conservation.

“This amicus brief is completely out of touch—and frankly, unconscionable. At a time when New Yorkers are already struggling with rising costs, these lawmakers are going out of their way to advocate in court for a position that would effectively force many struggling families to shoulder steep new energy and transportation expenses just to heat their homes and commute to work.

“State analysis is explicit: Upstate oil and natural gas households would see costs in excess of $4,000 a year under this policy. What’s most troubling is that this filing makes clear that these lawmakers understood the cost of the CLCPA when they passed it, and they understand the costs their legal position would impose—and are willing to move forward anyway.

“What they treat as an academic debate has real-world implications—it is a direct hit to working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and local businesses. 

“New Yorkers are already making impossible choices between paying utility bills, affording groceries, and covering basic expenses. The last thing they need are politician-backed arguments that would make life even more expensive.

“Instead of easing the burden, this approach ignores it entirely. Right now, New Yorkers need lawmakers focused on lowering costs—not pushing them even higher.”