Republican members of New York’s congressional delegation are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to veto legislation they say would drive up energy and housing costs across the state.
In a letter sent this week, Rep. Elise Stefanik and six other House Republicans asked Hochul to reject bill S8417/A8888, which would eliminate New York’s long-standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas hookups to homes and businesses.
The lawmakers argue the change would force future homeowners and developers to pay the full cost of connecting to natural gas service, which they say could reach up to $14,000 per home.
“The elimination of the ‘100-foot rule’ is a direct and damaging blow to Upstate New York families who are already bearing the weight of surging costs,” the lawmakers wrote, warning the proposal would worsen the state’s housing affordability crisis.
Concerns over reliability and consumer choice
The delegation also raised concerns about grid reliability, saying the policy would push more households toward electrification without sufficient infrastructure in place.
In the letter, the lawmakers questioned how the state plans to handle increased electricity demand while maintaining reliability, citing warnings previously issued by the New York Independent System Operator.
They also pressed Hochul on whether she supports the principle of consumer energy choice, pointing to the federal Energy Choice Act, which would protect access to what they describe as affordable and reliable energy options.
Broader fight over energy policy
The letter follows a press conference held last month by several of the same lawmakers and state Assembly Republicans criticizing Hochul’s energy policies, including restrictions on natural gas.
Stefanik and her colleagues argue that limiting access to natural gas will increase utility bills and create risks during winter months. They say Congress should step in if state leaders continue to move forward with policies they view as harmful to affordability.
The governor has not publicly responded to the letter.
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