Legislators Urge Hochul To Include NY HEAT Act For Affordable Utilities

This week, Renewable Heat Now (RHN) campaign members were joined by Assemblymembers Khaleel Anderson and Harry Bronson and Harlem Senator Cordell Cleare.

They were joined at 8 events to call on Governor Hochul to tackle the energy affordability and climate crises by including the NY Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (NY HEAT Act) in the executive budget.

The legislation, which has support across party lines, would reduce utility bills by ending unnecessary spending of ratepayer dollars on gas infrastructure for buildings. This week’s events are part of a series of 13 actions across the state in the fight for economic relief, climate leadership, and healthier, more efficient heating and cooling in our homes and buildings.

“New Yorkers are being crushed by rising energy costs, and it’s time for bold action. The NY HEAT Act will deliver real relief—cutting bills, curbing energy burdens, and putting more money back in the pockets of working families. This is a chance to lead with strength, lower costs, and move toward a cleaner, more affordable future. We can’t wait another year—New Yorkers deserve better, and we’re fighting to deliver it now,” said Senator Robert Jackson representing the 31st Senate District.

“… capping energy costs at 6% of household income …”

“New Yorkers are facing a crisis of affordability, with energy bills leaving too many families behind,” said Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia, representing Assembly District 86. “The NY HEAT Act is a chance to provide real relief by capping energy costs at 6% of household income, saving families hundreds every month while accelerating our state’s climate goals. This bill is a win for working families and a cleaner, healthier future for all New Yorkers.”

The NY HEAT Act would lower energy bills so that every New Yorker can afford to heat and cool their homes, invest in clean energy technology that creates new jobs and boosts economic development, and end pro-gas mandates used by utilities to profit off of consumers. This bill would generate immediate savings for the 25% of households in New York that are energy-burdened, defined as those spending more than 6% of their annual income on energy.

“… many low-income families in New York are overwhelmed by energy costs …”

“Too many low-income families in New York are overwhelmed by energy costs, with some paying over 17% of their income on bills. The NY HEAT Act will lower these burdens, protect frontline communities from fossil fuel pollution, and advance clean, affordable energy solutions,” said Annie Carforo, Harlem-based WE ACT’s Climate Justice Campaigns Manager. “We look forward to working with the Governor, state electeds, and community leaders to pass the NY HEAT Act in the upcoming session and deliver relief to those who need it most.”

“New York is facing intertwined climate and affordability crises, perpetuated by a costly overreliance on fossil fuels,” said Laura Shindell, Food & Water Watch New York State Director. “Across the state today, New York’s grassroots climate movement is sending a resounding message: Governor Hochul must pass the NY HEAT Act to urgently tackle these crises and deliver savings for New Yorkers. This bill will yield benefits for every New Yorker and passing it should be an urgent priority for Governor Hochul and lawmakers.”

The likely corporate and fossil fuel-friendly policies of the incoming Trump Administration make state action on affordability and climate all the more important. In the last Trump Administration, New York showcased its leadership by passing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

“Every New Yorker will benefit from the passage of the NY HEAT Act, but for historically marginalized families, this bill is a game-changer for economic relief,” said Kim Fraczek, Director of Sane Energy Project. “We see how continued investments in the fracked gas system keep us locked into skyrocketing bills and continued pollution. New Yorkers deserve to keep their hard-earned money in their pockets, and the NY HEAT Act will spur investment into clean energy technology, like thermal energy networks to transition our union labor to build a 21st-century energy system. With rising costs a top concern for New Yorkers, passing the NY HEAT Act is essential to increasing affordability for families and residents in the Empire State.”

Background
The Home Energy Affordable Transition Act, also known as the NY HEAT Act, will stop the expansion of New York’s outdated and dangerous fracked gas system. The bill modernizes archaic state laws that force New Yorkers to pay billions of dollars each year to subsidize new fracked gas hookups and pipelines. It would limit households’ energy burdens and would allow utilities to provide cheaper and cleaner heating alternatives at no additional cost to customers – a win-win for New Yorkers and the environment. And in addition to cost savings for everyday families, the bill gets rid of the unfair 100-foot rule, which forces New Yorkers to subsidize new gas hookups to the tune of $200 million every year while accelerating fossil fuel-generated climate change that supercharges storms, floods, and wildfires – turning the sky orange and the air toxic – and drives deadly extreme heat and cold.

The NY HEAT Act is popular across party lines, with 67% of Democrats, 47% of Republicans, and 55% of independents agreeing it should have passed this year. It was also popular with 60% of upstate voters, 55% of union households, and across income groups. 74% of Black voters and 70% of Latino voters also wanted it to pass.

Photo credit: Renewable Heat Now (RHN)

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Legislators Urge Hochul To Include NY HEAT Act For Affordable Utilities

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