New York Assembly members made a strong plea on Tuesday to include the NY HEAT Act in the state budget. This act aims to adjust utility regulations to match the state’s climate goals, ensuring a smooth shift from natural gas and protecting consumers from rising costs. The proposed legislation seeks to cap utility expenses for low- and moderate-income residents at 6% of their income to avoid unfair rate hikes.
Assemblymember Pat Fahy, a proponent of the bill, emphasized that New Yorkers should not bear the cost burden of transitioning to clean energy. The NY HEAT Act promises an affordable, reliable move towards sustainable energy, responding to the public’s demand for meaningful climate action amid escalating fossil fuel prices and severe weather conditions caused by climate change.
Although the NY HEAT Act passed in the state Senate, it stalled in the Assembly last year. Governor Kathy Hochul has incorporated key elements of the act into her 2025 budget proposal, yet negotiations continue as the legislature seeks to finalize the budget, having passed a temporary extender to maintain government operations.
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