Climate Alert: New York’s 'Big Ugly' Budget

In the wake of Governor Hochul's scrapping of major offshore wind projects, Assembly Speaker Heastie's decision to ditch the popular NY HEAT Act signifies New York's failure to lead on climate.

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Contact: Priscilla Grim, priscilla@saneenergyproject.org ‪(347) 682-9783

In a one-two punch this past week, a small group of corporate-backed Democratic legislators brought us closer to climate catastrophe by bowing to fossil fuel lobbyists and lawyers in shaping New York's energy and economic policy. Now, more than ever, it's time to fight hard and resist this insidious takeover.

Last Friday, under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Energy and Resource Development Authority (NYSERDA) rejected three major offshore wind projects that Sane Energy Project had championed since 2015 when we led the campaign to stop the construction of a massive offshore liquefied fracked gas port complex near the  Rockaway Peninsula and Long Beach that would have foreclosed the development of these wind projects.  

Also on Friday, the final New York State budget omitted the critical NY HEAT Act, which over 100 legislators co-sponsored. The New York Home Energy Affordable Transition Act would have facilitated an orderly transition from expensive and toxic fracked gas by ending subsidies that enrich the gas industry. Moreover, it would have capped energy bills for low- and middle-income households at 6% of their income, a crucial measure for safeguarding vulnerable New Yorkers. 

Every year in Albany, a handful of officials determine the state's future. Swayed by energy industry lobbyists, they disregard scientific evidence, the climate law, and constituents' demands. Our elected officials' failure to champion sound energy policy sets a dangerous precedent.

Kim Fraczek, Director of Sane Energy Project, said, "Governor Hochul and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie have chosen to prioritize corporate interests over the well-being of New Yorkers by scrapping significant offshore wind projects and excluding the crucial NY HEAT Act from the state budget. Their inaction is further underscored by National Grid's egregious proposal to increase monthly bills for downstate residents by at least $30 to maintain their outdated, polluting gas system. We hold Hochul and Heastie responsible for future utility bill hikes and climate disasters, as their decisions blatantly ignore the urgency to transition to renewable energy and protect the most vulnerable communities."

Current negotiations surrounding National Grid’s proposed rate hike threaten to tighten the fossil fuel industry’s grip on New Yorkers. Sane Energy Project is focused on state regulators, who can choose energy efficiency and investment in thermal energy networks or perpetuate wasteful investments in National Grid’s antiquated gas system.  

The mission of Sane Energy Project is to replace fracked gas infrastructure with 100% democratically controlled, renewable energy in New York State. We build every campaign through a lens of racial, social, and ecological justice.