Albany, NY — Today, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) expressed deep disappointment in the New York General Assembly and Governor Andrew Cuomo for their rushed efforts to concoct a bill in the final days of the Assembly’s legislative session, which will further distort an already stretched and dysfunctional state energy policy.
This measure went forward without any public input, independent cost analyses, or understanding of the underlying energy supply dynamics. It is especially upsetting because it appears the public will only truly understand the harmful cost impacts to its communities, families, small businesses, and state economy after the law takes effect, and New Yorkers are denied affordable energy and much-needed infrastructure.
In response, Wendy Hijos, Executive Director for CEA in New York, issued the following statement:
“There is a better way to achieve our environmental goals and accelerate the build-out of our renewable resources without saddling New Yorkers with even higher prices that further deplete their disposable income. We can and should expand renewables in our state to improve our environment, but not in a way that will punish consumers who need affordable energy.
“It’s time for real, thoughtful solutions that aren’t created in a rush without any comment from the very people whom it will affect. People across the state deserve better than this. They deserve access to real, tangible energy solutions from all available resources.”
“We cannot overstate the very real, negative ramifications of this action by the Assembly. New Yorkers woke up this morning to learn that a new, sweeping version of energy legislation, which was agreed to with no public hearing or cost estimate, was rushed through in the last days of session to avoid scrutiny and explanation.
“The new version of the Climate and Community Protection Act (CCPA) pushed by extreme activist groups will abandon millions of people who currently struggle to pay their energy bills across our state – which are among the highest in the country. The bill does nothing to solve the gas service moratoriums currently in place that curtail economic development and halt new opportunities for our highly skilled labor community. The bill does nothing to meet our energy and environmental challenges. We need to stop playing politics with our energy.”
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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading consumer advocate for energy, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households and businesses across the country. CEA works daily to encourage people across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our energy needs.
Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org
