Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R–Corning) and members of the Assembly Republican Conference are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to veto legislation that would repeal New York’s “100-foot rule,” a longstanding policy requiring utilities to cover the cost of new natural gas hookups located within 100 feet of an existing main line.
In a letter sent to the governor on Thursday, lawmakers argued that eliminating the rule would force households, builders, and renters to absorb connection costs estimated between $3,000 and $15,000 per project. Republican members said the change would worsen affordability challenges, raise energy expenses, and add financial pressure amid the state’s housing shortage.
The letter also emphasized the continued reliability of natural gas, noting that roughly 60% of New York households rely on it for heat. Legislators pointed to the 2022 Buffalo blizzard, during which many residents maintained heat through gas systems despite widespread electrical outages, as evidence that diverse energy sources are vital for public safety, particularly in upstate communities.
Palmesano criticized the bill as part of what he described as Democratic efforts to move the state toward full electrification, warning that additional strain on the electric grid could increase the risk of blackouts and limit consumer choice.
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R–Pulaski) echoed those concerns, calling the repeal “another green-energy mandate” that would raise costs while reducing reliability. He urged Gov. Hochul to reject the measure.
Palmesano concluded by saying that if the governor is committed to affordable, reliable, “all-of-the-above” energy, she should veto the bill.
Palmesano represents the 132nd Assembly District, which includes Schuyler and Yates counties and parts of Chemung, Seneca, and Steuben counties.
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