The following statement can be attributed to Daniel Ortega, Executive Director, NYAE:
New Yorkers for Affordable Energy (NYAE) commends the NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, the NYS Assembly Majority, and Governor Kathy Hochul for their decision to exclude the New York Home Energy Affordable Transition (NY HEAT) Act from the final 2025-2026 state budget. This move reflects a commitment to the economic well-being of New Yorkers by prioritizing energy affordability over costly renewable energy mandates.
The NY HEAT Act, which pursues aggressive renewable energy policies and the elimination of natural gas infrastructure, would have significantly increased energy costs for households and businesses already grappling with inflation and economic uncertainty. By leaving this legislation out of the budget, state leaders have sent a clear message that they understand the financial pressures facing their constituents.
A recent survey from the Empire Center underscored the importance of the issue, finding nearly half of New Yorkers prioritize keeping energy costs down: in this case willing to contribute nothing or up to $10 a month for implementing renewable energy policies. This highlights the public’s preference for practical solutions that ensure affordable energy access without compromising environmental goals.
“Speaker Heastie, the Assembly Majority, and Governor Hochul have demonstrated leadership by listening to the concerns of everyday New Yorkers,” said Daniel Ortega, Executive Director of NYAE. “By not advancing the NY HEAT Act, they have chosen to focus on policies that keep energy bills manageable, especially for working families and seniors on fixed incomes.”
NYAE remains committed to advocating for policies that balance environmental responsibility with economic feasibility. The organization looks forward to working with state leaders to develop energy strategies that promote sustainability without burdening New Yorkers financially.
