Senator Walczyk cites concerns for burdensome costs in response to Governor Hochul’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

ALBANY, NY- New York Senator Mark Walczyk (NY-49) is raising his concerns regarding the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), specifically how much it is slated to cost residents statewide.

The act was signed into law in 2019, with an overall goal of achieving a clean, zero-emission energy portfolio for New York within the next few decades.

However, Senator Walczyk is concerned that the act will end up driving energy costs through the roof for New Yorkers. “This so-called ‘Green New Deal’ is not merely an ambitious environmental initiative; it’s a financial nightmare that will burden families across our state for the next 25 years,” the Senator claimed.

During a budget hearing last-week, Senator Walczyk cited the State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, saying that the total cost to implement all aspects from the legislation is expected to ring in at $340 billion.

“This translates to an outrageous additional charge of $7,080 per year for every man, woman, and child in New York," the Senator went on.

"Over the next 25 years, this amounts to a staggering $177,000 for every New Yorker. This is insanity! Your family, your friends, your parents—everyone will feel the pinch as we are forced to shoulder this massive financial burden. This comes on the heels of the Governor claiming she will put $5,000 back into the pockets of New York families, all while covertly taking $7,000 away. Affordability? I think not. She is essentially imposing another mortgage payment on families—without the benefit of actually owning a home.”

Though Senator Walczyk is among others who are voicing their worries over the potential financial impacts residents will face through this act, environmental advocates say the legislation is designed to pave the way for 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040 and reducing emissions at-least 85% below levels recorded in 1990.

Still, Senator Walczyk is calling for greater transparency from the Hochul administration, having been a steadfast opponent of the CLCPA policy since its inception in 2019, when he voted against its original proposal.

In 2023, he further reiterated his opposition by demanding that Governor Hochul remove the gas ban from her budget. Demonstrating his commitment to protecting the interests of New York families, he also cosponsors S1167 (Mattera), a bill aimed at repealing the controversial "gas stove ban."

Image via the office of New York State Senator Mark Walczyk.