A state senator is calling for changes to New York’s energy policies, citing rising costs tied to the state’s climate law.
In a weekly column, Sen. Tom O’Mara pointed to increasing utility costs and urged action as state budget negotiations continue.
O’Mara said high energy costs are the top concern raised by constituents in his district and across the state.
He cited a recent memo from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority outlining projected costs of complying with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
According to the memo, gasoline prices could increase by $2.23 per gallon by 2031, while upstate households using oil and natural gas could see costs exceed $4,000 annually.
The memo also projected utility cost increases of up to 46% for some businesses and more than 60% increases in delivery truck operating costs.
“These costs have become unbearable for our residents,” O’Mara and other Republican lawmakers wrote. “State policy has driven up energy bills to the point where people are being forced to choose between keeping the lights on and affording everything else.”
O’Mara said he joined other members of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee in calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to reconvene the state’s Climate Action Council to review and revise the law.
The council, established under the climate law, approved a plan in 2022 to guide implementation of the state’s clean energy goals.
O’Mara also called for changes to mandates involving electric school buses and buildings, and for policies aimed at reducing utility costs.
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