Blankenbush: Skyrocketing Energy Costs Demand Immediate Action in Albany
ALBANY, NY- New York State Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R, C – Black River) is supporting his fellow colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference addressing skyrocketing energy costs impacting New Yorkers, including for electricity and fuel oil.
“These skyrocketing costs are not random; they are the predictable result of aggressive energy mandates forced on New Yorkers that ignore affordability and grid reliability,” the Assemblyman said.
Since 2019, electricity prices across the state for residential consumers have risen 47.1%, an unsustainable growth rate that will cripple working families across the state, according to Blankenbush’s office.
“New Yorkers should not have to choose between heating their homes and paying for their groceries,” Blankenbush added.
“We need an energy policy that is grounded in affordability, reliability and common sense, not blind ideology to score some political points.”
Lawmakers are calling for immediate action, including:
- A reassessment and pause of costly energy mandates like the CLCPA
- A repeal of the zero-emission school bus mandate
- Immediate reinvestment into natural gas plants forced into retirement, as well as investment into new natural gas plants across the state
- Direct relief for ratepayers facing record-high utility bills by providing income-based rebate checks up to $400 for utility ratepayers
- Expansion of the POWER UP grant program to incentivize quick build out of reliable energy.
Blankenbush has consistently raised concerns about supply shortages, volatile market prices and the strain placed on the electric system as traditional energy generation is phased out, only exacerbated by policies such as the gas stove ban and the repeal of the 100-foot rule.
Assembly Republicans at a Press Conference in the Parlor of the NYS Capitol speaking on energy affordability.
