LOWER: A plan to Secure New York’s Energy Future
From the Office of NYS Assemblyman Phil Palmesano,
Today, Assembly Republican Leader Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) and members of the Assembly Republican Conference unveiled the “Lights On With Energy Relief (LOWER) Plan” in response to growing concerns statewide about out-of-control energy costs and grid reliability. The legislative package is designed to deliver actionable solutions to immediately provide significant financial relief to overwhelmed New York ratepayers and identify long-term countermeasures to combat Democrats’ radical climate mandates.
“From blackouts to bloated heating bills, a harsh reality has set in New York’s energy consumers. While Democrats have signaled little concern or willingness to address skyrocketing costs, Assembly Republicans refuse to sit idle while people are forced to decide between heating their homes or feeding their families,” said Leader Ra. “Our LOWER Plan looks to tackle the current crisis head on, by getting immediate relief into the hands of New Yorkers and facilitating improved power generation to meet growing demand.”
The LOWER Plan is a comprehensive approach that promises to deliver where the governor and legislative majorities have failed. The first part of the Assembly Republican proposal includes quick relief initiatives aimed at reducing costs and putting money back into hardworking New Yorkers’ pockets.
· Energy Price Rebate Check Program – $2 billion in relief aimed at moderate- and middle-income households.
· Utility Bill Credits – requiring any surplus and uncommitted funds in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Climate Investment Account at the end of a fiscal year be returned to ratepayers as bill credit (current estimates: $2.4 billion).
· Immediate reinvestment into previously retired gas plants and investment in new natural gas plants.
The second part of the LOWER Plan identifies existing toxic climate directives and seeks to reverse their negative impacts on ratepayers as well as ensure consumer energy choice protections.
· Eliminate unreasonable energy mandates and protect energy choice, including: zero-emission school buses, energy and cooking choice protection, mixed-fuel buildings, fossil fuel appliances and supply rate increase notifications.
· Increase natural gas production and ease of transportation.
· Cost-benefit analysis of renewable energy goals based on CLCPA mandates.
· Establish the New York Advanced Nuclear Energy Office.
· Conduct a feasibility study on the use of small modular reactors.
· Expand the POWER UP Grant Program to support natural gas expansion projects and local pipelines.
In addition to repeated warnings from the Assembly Republican Conference, leading energy experts, business groups, schools and local elected officials have all raised significant issues emerging from the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Since it was signed into law in 2019, electricity prices for residential consumers have risen by over 47%. Further, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has sounded the alarm in multiple instances about energy shortages and grid stability. Most recently, in January, the NYISO cited historical highs for forecasted energy prices—a figure more than double the next highest value since the CLCPA was passed.
“For far too long, New Yorkers have fallen victim to Albany Democrats and their ‘green new deal’ agenda, which has done nothing but increase utility bills and take away consumer choice. We need a real all-of-the-above approach to our energy policy that promotes affordability, reliability, fuel diversity and energy choice. The package we introduced will achieve all of this and finally give New Yorkers an energy plan that works for them,” said Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) ranking minority member Assembly Ways and Means Committee.
“Albany’s aggressive energy mandates are crushing families. Electric prices have risen by over 47% since 2019 and our grid has only become more vulnerable. The “Lights on With Energy Relief” plan delivers real help to bring affordable, reliable power back to New Yorkers. Albany needs to prioritize a diversified energy plan that keeps lights on and jobs growing. We cannot keep asking residents to foot the bill for culture-war experiments,” said Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks).
“New York is having an energy heart attack that we cannot ignore. The LOWER plan provides targeted rebate checks, returns unspent funds back to ratepayers and restores balance to our energy policy by investing in nuclear, natural gas, renewables and advanced technologies. This is about immediate affordability, reliability and common sense for a sustainable future,” said Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown).
“Slogans do not keep the lights on. You can repeat the word ‘affordability’ all you want, but until policy reflects that sentiment, New Yorkers will continue to be collateral damage in an energy agenda based on idealism, not physics. Unfortunately, the Assembly Majority does not understand that you do not save the planet by collapsing your own middle class. Our plan addresses the immediate crisis many ratepayers are experiencing, offers long-term solutions to stabilize commodity prices and implements a true all-of-the-above energy policy — not just a talking point,” said Assemblyman Paul Bologna (R,C-Clarence).
Assemblyman Palmesano represents the 132nd District, which includes Schuyler County, Yates County and Parts of Chemung County, Seneca County and Steuben County. For more information about Assemblyman Palmesano, Please follow him on Facebook.
