NYS Assembly: You Can Deliver This Energy Win for New Yorkers
The New York State Senate just delivered a major win for New Yorkers’ health, wallets, and clean energy future. By passing both the repeal of the 100-foot rule and the Consumer Savings and Reliability Act, the Senate sent a clear message: New York is ready to modernize its energy system in ways that lower costs, improve public health, and move us closer to our climate goals. These commonsense reforms prove that we can advance clean energy and cut utility bills without compromising reliability or affordability.
Now, it’s the Assembly’s chance to lead. Each of these bills represents an essential step toward a smarter, more affordable, and cleaner energy future. Together, they offer a powerful strategy to phase out outdated fossil fuel infrastructure, rein in unnecessary spending on the backs of ratepayers, and give local communities more say in shaping sustainable energy solutions.
One of the clearest opportunities for immediate progress is repealing the outdated 100-foot rule. This decades-old policy forces New Yorkers to subsidize costly gas line extensions, costing ratepayers more than $200 million every year. Even worse, it locks us into expensive fossil fuel infrastructure that undermines New York’s climate targets. Repealing the rule is a no-brainer. It’s a simple, cost-saving move that would immediately benefit consumers and accelerate the shift to cleaner, safer energy systems.
Another high-impact measure is the Consumer Savings and Reliability Act. This bill would give utilities the flexibility to shift investments from aging gas infrastructure to cleaner, electrified alternatives. Instead of defaulting to gas pipeline repairs or replacements, utilities could evaluate smarter options that reduce long-term costs and emissions when it makes the most financial sense for the community. The legislation creates a more flexible approach to utility planning, helping regions modernize their energy systems in ways that reflect local needs, reduce waste, and deliver lasting value. It’s about smarter spending, better planning, and a smoother, more affordable transition for everyone.
If advanced, both policies would equip New York with the tools it needs to accelerate clean energy adoption, protect consumers, and get more value out of every energy dollar.
Even advancing one of these bills would send a strong signal that New York is serious about lowering energy costs, delivering clean energy, and putting people first. That’s the scale and urgency of this opportunity.
We applaud the Senate for taking decisive action and urge the Assembly to follow suit before session ends. This is a chance to lead on climate, on affordability, and on practical reforms that benefit New Yorkers across the board. Let’s seize it.
By Julie Tighe, President of New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) and Lisa Dix, New York Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC)
*sponsored content*
