New York Republican Senators Propose Scaling Back Climate Laws

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — New York Senate Republicans held a press conference on Tuesday to announce a suite of bills that disable several elements of 2019’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

Led by State Sen. Mario Mattera—who represents Long Island and is the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy Committee—the legislators said they want the state to study real costs, delay new mandates, and support proven sources of power.

Press Conference Highlights

“Our utility bills will go up ten times more due to these unfunded mandates,” Mattera said while announcing the first legislative package from the Republicans’ “Liberate New York” agenda. “Over 2 million New Yorkers have left the state due to costs here that are gouging all New Yorkers.”

You can watch video of the press conference above. Alongside Mattera, State Sens. Tom O’Mara, Dan Stec, and Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick spoke about bills they’re sponsoring. The Republican Conference also championed bills from State Sens. Rob Rollison, Joe Griffo, and Rob Ortt. Other senators present to support the announcement in person included Alexis Weik, Dean Murray, Pamela Helming, Peter Oberacker, and Anthony Palumbo.

Goals of the Bills

The CLCPA—S6599/A8429 of 2019—created goals for renewable energy consumption, calling for a great portion of renewable power statewide by and lower emissions. The bill allows state officials to make temporary adjustments should fuel sources become unreliable or if bills for consumers increase by over 5%. It also required a review every four years to verify the costs, benefits, and practicality of meeting those energy consumption goals.

Republican Senators’ Proposals

The Republican Senators want to pause certain green energy rules from the CLCPA that they say send power bills soaring, hurting small businesses and pushing hardworking families out of New York. They claimed the climate law rushed the transition to electric at the expense of gas while hiding the real costs from New Yorkers. They added that their constituents deserve options that keep bills low, power steady, and jobs safe.

Key Provisions

• S2712/A5395: Requires the Public Service Commission (PSC) and state agencies to review every dollar spent to meet the climate law, conducts a full cost-benefit study, and delays new emissions mandates for 10 years.
• S1167: Repeals the state law requiring electric power in new construction starting in 2026, preventing an impending ban on using gas, oil, or propane.
• S1031: Makes the PSC and Comptroller calculate how the CLCPA mandates impact individual New Yorkers and display those charges on utility bills, and funds a Ratepayer Protection Tax Credit to help pay for them.
• S1178: Offers a credit to New York taxpayers who invest in gas service pipeline construction in rural areas, expanding access to affordable fuel.
• S1927A: Creates a commission to study reopening Indian Point energy center in Westchester County, assessing costs, safety, and grid impact, and adds nuclear to the official list of renewable energy sources.
• S3652: Blocks state and local rules requiring consumers to buy electric vehicles.
• S5436: Bars closing any power plant until a new energy source with equal capacity comes online.
• S5515: Requires utility companies to list the cost of climate law projects on every residential bill, making the OSC create a formula representing each customer’s share of renewable expenses.

Conclusion

The Republican Senators’ proposals aim to address the concerns of New Yorkers regarding the impact of the CLCPA on their utility bills, job security, and the environment. While some may argue that these bills do not go far enough to address the climate crisis, others may see them as a necessary step towards balancing the needs of the state’s residents and businesses with the need to reduce our carbon footprint.

FAQs

Q: What are the goals of the Republican Senators’ proposals?
A: The proposals aim to pause certain green energy rules from the CLCPA, delay new emissions mandates, and support proven sources of power.

Q: What are the key provisions of the bills?
A: The key provisions include requiring a cost-benefit study, delaying new emissions mandates, and supporting gas service pipeline construction in rural areas.

Q: What is the purpose of the press conference?
A: The press conference aimed to announce the Republican Senators’ “Liberate New York” agenda, which includes bills to address the concerns of New Yorkers regarding the impact of the CLCPA on their utility bills, job security, and the environment.