Senator Mario R. Mattera, representing the 2nd Senate District and a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, along with colleagues from the Senate Republican Conference, has urged Governor Kathy Hochul to declare an energy state of emergency. The request comes amid growing concerns about the reliability of New York’s electrical grid and rising energy costs affecting residents.
The senators have called on Governor Hochul to use her executive authority to suspend certain laws enacted under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). These laws include mandates for electric vehicles and buses, bans on natural gas hookups, and other regulations that have increased demand on the grid and financial burdens on New Yorkers. Recently, both Governor Hochul and NYSERDA’s president acknowledged challenges in meeting CLCPA objectives without impacting ratepayers.
Senator Rob Ortt emphasized the need for reliable energy alternatives: “A one-size-fits-all energy policy does not work – we need reliable and affordable energy alternatives… We need to stop the insanity of the CLCPA.”
Senator Mattera expressed concern over recent power warnings during heatwaves: “New Yorkers were told to conserve power because our grid couldn’t handle the demand… I am proud to join my Senate Republican colleagues in urging Governor Hochul to reverse course before it is too late.”
Senator Tom O’Mara highlighted affordability issues: “Until we begin… a straightforward reassessment of the realities of the current CLCPA strategy, these mandates will keep delivering devastating price tags…”
Senator Mark Walczyk criticized current policies: “Governor Hochul’s energy policies have raised your bill and endangered the reliability of the grid… We must suspend all-electric mandates and gas bans.”
The letter concludes by urging immediate action to protect New York’s energy stability.
