Four rallies were held Monday outside Stony Brook University ahead of the state’s public hearing on its draft energy plan, reflecting deep divisions over New York’s energy future.
The largest rally, organized by Sen. Mario Mattera, ranking Republican on the Senate Energy Committee, drew elected officials, union leaders, and residents who warned against phasing out natural gas. Mattera said the mandates of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act are already harming New Yorkers. “Utilities have begun passing costs onto families and businesses—that cost is now over $2.9 billion,” he said. “We need to pause or repeal the 2026 all-electric mandate to protect our economy and give New Yorkers real energy choices.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine backed a broad energy mix. “The future of our state depends on energy. While I support wind and solar, we need all of the above, including natural gas. The state cannot ban this option when we are in dire need,” Romaine said.
Joining the rally were the Association of Steamfitters Local 638, Plumbers Local Union 200, Utility Workers 132, and the Long Island Carpenters, who argued the plan must include every energy source to create jobs and grow the economy.
Babylon Town Supervisor Richie Shaeffer was the only Democrat to attend. “We need affordable alternatives to solar and wind,” he said, voicing support for the Northeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline and Constitution pipelines.
Assemblyman Phillip Palmesano called the state’s approach “unworkable,” blaming Gov. Kathy Hochul for high costs. “Her plan is to dismantle natural gas and remove consumer choice. That’s why people are leaving New York in record numbers.”
Separate rallies included the Nassau Suffolk Building and Construction Trades Council and electrical workers backing natural gas, fuel cells, and nuclear, while the Citizens Campaign for the Environment and a progressive coalition opposed fossil fuels.