Republican lawmakers and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman gathered in Albany to demand immediate action on rising energy costs, accusing Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democratic majorities in the Legislature of ignoring affordability concerns as New Yorkers face some of the nation’s highest utility bills.
Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said the overdue state budget and rising costs are driving residents out of New York. “People are leaving thanks to dangerous and out-of-touch policies,” Ortt said, adding Republicans are pushing “real solutions that benefit everyone regardless of party.”
Assembly Republican Leader Ed Ra said lawmakers have had proposals ready for months while consumers continue paying soaring electric and heating bills. “Reducing energy prices should have been a Day 1 priority,” Ra said. “It is long past time for Albany Democrats to stop stalling and deliver real relief.”
Republicans pointed to New York energy rates that they said are more than 70% higher than the national average. Blakeman blamed state energy mandates and utility rate increases for the spike in costs. “Kathy Hochul is bleeding New York dry,” Blakeman said. “I will dismantle Hochul’s mandates” and return energy funds to ratepayers.
Lawmakers highlighted two Republican-backed bills they say would immediately lower costs. Senate bill S.8607 would repeal the state’s Cap-and-Invest program by removing the legal authority for implementation from Environmental Conservation Law. Republicans argue the move would stop additional energy surcharges tied to climate regulations.
Another proposal, S.8461A, would return $3 billion in unused NYSERDA Climate Investment Account funds and utility-held clean energy funds directly to ratepayers through credits and rebates.
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano said families and small businesses are struggling to afford basic utility costs while Albany continues advancing expensive mandates. “We need a real plan for affordability, reliability and common sense,” DeStefano said.
Republicans also called for rebate checks of up to $400 for eligible residents, expansion of the POWER UP grant program and pauses on the natural gas ban and zero-emission school bus mandate.