To the Editor:
I also agree with the letter writer in calling for enactment of the NY HEAT Act. This bill would eliminate ratepayer subsidies for replacing old gas lines with new ones. Gas infrastructure will be stranded assets in our renewable energy future – why should we be on the hook for building more of it now, including with rate increases for years to come? Instead, the NY HEAT Act would direct more money to electrification projects on a neighborhood scale and require energy-saving investments.
NY HEAT will also help low – and moderate – income New Yorkers by capping expenditures for energy at 6 percent of income. So many of our fellow citizens sorely need this relief.
I am calling on Sen. James Skoufis to get on board with the NY HEAT Act for the benefit of his constituents and all New Yorkers. While the All-Electric Building Act is a huge win, the climate crisis demands more nation-leading action from our legislature. I hope to give another “Bravo!” soon for the passage of the NY HEAT Act in 2023.
Sincerely yours,
Robert Heinemann
Legislative Chair, Mid Hudson Group, Sierra Club
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
