Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced the Energy Choice Act to prohibit states or local governments from banning an energy service’s connection, reconnection, modification, installation, or expansion based on the type or source of energy to be delivered.
“Governor Kathy Hochul and Democrats in Albany are hurting Upstate New Yorkers with their relentless war on American energy,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Her effort to ban the use of gas in buildings across the state will not only increase energy costs for families, but it will also eliminate a reliable and necessary source of energy that keeps homes heated and people safe during our extreme winter storms. As this is becoming a dangerous trend in blue states across the country, the Energy Choice Act would end these costly bans and secure our nation’s energy future.”
Congressman Nick Langworthy represents the 23rd Congressional District of New York, including Schuyler, Steuben, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, and parts of Erie County.
The full text of the bill can be found here. Original cosponsors of this legislation include Reps. Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Tom McClintock (CA-5), Jim Moylan (GU-AL), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), David Valadao (CA-22), and Clay Higgins (LA-03).
“President Biden and Governor Hochul continue to squash American energy production and infringe on Americans’ right to choose how they heat their homes by implementing legislation to make energy for our communities less reliable and more expensive,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The Energy Choice Act would prevent any state attacks on energy choice to save our families money and unleash American energy dominance. The Left must end their war on natural gas and allow Americans to choose the energy sources that work best for them!”
The Energy Choice Act has also received wide support from outside groups, including Americans for Prosperity, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association, American Public Gas Association (APGA), National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), National Energy and Fuels Institute (NEFI), New York State Energy Coalition (NYSEC) and Clean Fuels Alliance America.
“Clean Fuels thanks Representative Langworthy for recognizing that drop in fuels like biomass-based diesel can provide consumers carbon reductions without the high cost of changing vehicle engines and heating equipment,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America. “In addition to being better and cleaner, biodiesel and renewable diesel are available and affordable today, and consumers should have a choice to use them as their fuel source.”
“The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) commends Rep. Langworthy for introducing the Energy Choice Act, which safeguards the ability of American consumers to maintain their preferred energy sources. Since 2019, NPGA has observed more than 170 local governments making efforts to prohibit vital gas infrastructure, creating distortions in heating markets to promote electrification. The Energy Choice Act represents a pivotal legislative initiative that guarantees consumers the ongoing freedom to select their energy solutions, irrespective of their geographic location,” said the National Propane Gas Association.
