The Future of Energy in New York State
When New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (the Climate Act) was signed into law in 2019, it established a mandate for the most aggressive greenhouse gas reductions of any major economy. It also called for the formation of a Climate Action Council (CAC) to create a scoping plan outlining specific actions the State must take to comply with the law.
The Scoping Plan was released on December 19, 2022, and its recommendations, if approved and implemented, promise a complete overhaul of the State’s energy economy – with major impacts on transportation, buildings, electricity, industry, agriculture and more – including a near-total ban on the use of natural gas by residents and businesses.
The 2024 NYS Budget approved on May 2, 2023, a ban on fossil fuel equipment and building systems in new construction. The ban creates major concerns about energy affordability and reliability.
Overwhelming Public Opposition to Gas Bans
According to a Siena poll fielded in January 2023:
- 87% of WNYers believe that NYS should create an energy mix that uses both natural gas and low or no carbon fuels.
- 77% of WNYers oppose moving away from natural gas and prefer the continued use of natural gas as one part of NYS’s energy plan.
- 77% of WNYers believe that natural gas is a cleaner fossil fuel which we should continue to use to heat our homes and water as we gradually transition to zero carbon emissions.
National Fuel’s Three-Part Plan
National Fuel believes the best emissions reduction pathway is one that recognizes regional differences to provide environmental and economic sustainability while achieving the State’s emissions reduction targets and maintaining energy delivery system resiliency, integrity and reliability. Our “All-of-the-Above Pathway” is a more affordable and practical way to meet New York’s Climate Act goals for Western New York homeowners and businesses.
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Energy Efficiency
Scale-up investment in energy efficiency measures that emphasize weatherization and building shell retro-fits.
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Hybrid HVAC Systems
Wide-spread adoption of hybrid/dual-fuel gas furnace and electric air-source heat pump HVAC systems.
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Existing Infrastructure
Use existing, modernized natural gas infrastructure to incorporate low-carbon fuels like RNG and hydrogen.
