Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Charles Schumer are calling on former President Donald Trump to reverse his federal energy tariffs, warning that they could lead to increased electricity and heating costs for New Yorkers. The tariffs, along with retaliatory measures from Canada, threaten to destabilize energy markets and make the state less affordable for families and businesses.
In a letter to the Department of Public Service (DPS) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Hochul directed an urgent review of the tariffs’ impact. The review, set to be completed within seven days, will provide a transparent accounting of how the tariffs are affecting energy prices and supply reliability across the state.
“These federal tariffs have been poorly conceived from the start,” Hochul said. “They’ve only served to destabilize our capital markets and create uncertainty among New York families and businesses. I’m calling on President Trump to immediately rescind his tariffs before they inflict further damage on working families—and if he won’t act, Congress must.”
Schumer echoed those concerns, calling the tariffs a “direct hit to New Yorkers’ wallets.” He warned that an extended trade dispute with Canada could disrupt the flow of natural gas and hydroelectric power, key energy sources for the state. “We cannot let a century-long energy partnership between New York and Canada be destroyed due to President Trump’s harmful, short-sighted actions,” he said.
The state review will focus on several key areas, including projected increases in electricity and heating costs, supply chain vulnerabilities—especially in the North Country—and the potential impact on ratepayers and businesses. Hochul has also proposed adding a “Trump Tariff” cost indicator to utility bills, allowing New Yorkers to see the direct financial impact of the federal policy each month.
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