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ALBANY, NY (WENY) — In her state of the state address in January, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed a plan to end the sale of any new fossil-fuel-powered heating equipment by 2030.
Monday, some Republican lawmakers and energy stakeholders said they are worried about the reliability for New Yorker’s to be able to heat their homes.
“Two years ago, energy failures in Texas during cold weather resulted in between three hundred and seven hundred deaths and 195 billion dollars in property damage. Utility failures in upstate New York State during extremely cold weather will yield similar results,” said Richard Ellenbogen, President of Allied Converters, Inc.
Ellenbogen added the implementation of the governor’s energy proposals would significantly stress the state’s utility system.
Gov. Hochul’s budget plan proposes phasing out the sale and installation of fossil-fuel space and water heating equipment in existing buildings, phasing out electricity production from it’s power plants by 2035, and electrifying New York homes.
Hochul’s proposals intend to meet the goals of New York’s Climate Action Council’s scoping plan–which includes achieving 70 percent renewable energy by 2030, 100 percent zero-emission electricity by 2040, a 40 percent reduction in statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and more.
Some Republican lawmakers feel these policies are too expensive and will ultimately hinder the state’s progress to address affordability.
“It would make New York more expensive. It would make living here more expensive. Heating your home will be more expensive,” said Sen. Rob Ortt (R-62nd Senate District).
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