Congressman Mike Lawler Says New York Energy Policies are Driving Higher Utility Bills for Hudson Valley Families

In an op-ed in LoHud.com published on February 5, Congressman Mike Lawler asked “Where is Albany, when energy costs are crushing New Yorkers?”

Parts of Lawler’s Op-Ed include, “are “green” policies mandated by Albany Democrats — almost exclusively driven by extreme ideology rather than basic economics and science — really the best way forward? One look at your most recent electric or home heating bill and it’s pretty clear that the answer is no.

Lawler said that “utility ratepayers throughout the Hudson Valley are bearing the ever-rising cost of Albany’s recklessness and insistence to place ideology ahead of common sense.”

“The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, (passed in NY in 2019) required a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and an 85% reduction by 2050. In addition, it required 70% of the state’s electric grid to be powered by renewables in 2030 rising to 100% by 2040. Ambitious? Yes. Realistic? Not even close.

“Now, with NYSEG seeking another 24% increase in electric rates and a 34% increase for natural gas, the impacts of this disastrous policy are starting to hit ratepayers where it hurts — their pocketbooks. And it’s only going to get worse.”

“When coupled with Cuomo’s politically-driven decision to close Indian Point, which wiped out roughly 25% of downstate New York’s electricity supply overnight, the financial consequences for Hudson Valley families will only continue to get worse.”

“While New York irresponsibly banned the extraction of clean natural gas from the state’s economically-struggling Southern Tier, it is important to remember that natural gas represents up to 70% of New York’s energy mix and has accounted for 60% more carbon emissions reductions than renewable sources by expediting the state’s transition from coal.”

“With America’s continued transition to a technology-based economy and the exponential growth of artificial intelligence, energy now impacts virtually every aspect of our economic and national security policy.”

“Until Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Democratic majorities in the state legislature start prioritizing the needs of those they are supposed to represent, Hudson Valley families will continue to pay the price,” writes Lawler.