A rally in downtown Rochester drew attention to the ongoing battle to pass statewide legislation to align utility regulations with the state’s climate goals.
The NY Home Energy Affordable Transition Act, or NY HEAT Act, was created to help align with the state’s signature climate legislation. Representatives from several local climate and advocacy groups attended and spoke at the December 16 meeting, including Climate Solutions Accelerator, Reconnect Rochester and Metro Justice.
In May 2023, New York became the first state to ban natural gas in most new construction, but legislation remains in place allowing free natural gas connections for new construction within 100 feet of an existing line. Among other things, the HEAT Act would end this requirement, which is subsidized by existing customers.
Taxpayers subsidize $20 million each year in expanding the state’s natural gas network, said Abigail McHugh-Grifa, executive director of Climate Solutions Accelerator.
“We need our elected officials to finally put the health and well-being of New Yorkers above the profits of the fossil fuel companies and pass NY HEAT,” McHugh-Grifa said.
Abigail McHugh-Grifa, executive director of Climate Solutions Accelerator, speaks at a rally in support of passage of the NY HEAT Act at the Liberty Pole in downtown Rochester on December 16, 2024.
Maximum 6% for those who need help
The legislation also includes targets to ensure that residential customers with low to middle incomes do not pay more than 6% of their income for electricity.
The legislation passed the Senate but is currently in the Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions committee. Although it has not yet been voted on, co-sponsors include local Assembly members Jen Lunsford, Harry Bronson, Sarah Clark and Demond Meeks.
Bronson made a brief appearance at the Dec. 16 meeting, voicing his support for the legislation he co-sponsored. He said part of the transition to a clean, green economy involves ending incentives for expanded gas pipelines and connections.
“It’s about making sure families can pay their utility bills,” Bronson says. “It’s about making sure we transition to a green economy that is safer for our families and more affordable for our families.”
The NY HEAT Act would help promote the transition to renewable energy and help Rochester homeowners burdened by high energy costs, said Michelle Wenderlich, organizer and policy specialist for Metro Justice. The high costs are a major contributor to wealth inequality and housing instability, they said.
“In Rochester, 29% of homes pay between 6 and 25% of their income for energy alone,” says Wenderlich. “But that rises to 44% of households that are Black and Latino paying that amount.”
— Steve Howe reports on weather, climate and the Great Lakes for the Democrat and Chronicle. A graduate of RIT, he has covered numerous topics over the years, including public safety, local government, national politics and economic development in New York and Utah.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY Heat Act supporters rally in Rochester
