Stand Up for New Yorkers Against Unaffordable Energy Costs: Advocates Call on Governor Hochul to Include NY HEAT Act in State Budget
ROCHESTER, NY (December 10, 2024) - As winter sets in, New Yorkers face another season of rising heating costs, with gas utilities across the state proposing an 18% rate hike for heating bills. With 1 in 4 New Yorkers already struggling to afford energy costs, advocates are urging action to alleviate the burden on families while addressing the urgent need to meet New York State’s climate goals.
The NY HEAT Act (New York Home Energy Affordable Transition) is poised to offer solutions. This critical legislation would help curb future gas rate hikes, save low- and moderate-income families an average of $136 per month, and transition the state toward a sustainable, 21st-century energy system. The bill enjoys widespread bipartisan support and nearly passed last year, stalling in the final days of the legislative session.
“Climate justice is social justice–we know the climate crisis disproportionately impacts communities of color, " said Senator Samra G. Brouk. “The NY HEAT Act ensures more affordable, clean energy solutions while advancing New York State’s transition to renewable energy. We create a more equitable system for all when we advocate for energy efficiency.”
Now, Rochester residents are asking: What are Governor Hochul and the NYS Assembly doing to address skyrocketing energy costs? Advocates are calling on state leaders to prioritize the NY HEAT Act in the upcoming 2025 budget to ensure that New Yorkers see relief from unaffordable energy prices.
On Monday, December 16th at 12:00 PM, residents, advocates, and community leaders will gather at the Liberty Pole in Downtown Rochester to urge Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature to act decisively by including the NY HEAT Act in the 2025 state budget. This event will also spotlight the broader need for climate legislation to address New York’s transition to cleaner, more equitable energy solutions.
Confirmed Speakers:
Graham Hughes, Director of Policy & Advocacy, Climate Solutions Accelerator
Harry B. Bronson, NYS Assemblymember, District 138, Rochester, NY
Abby McHugh-Grifa, Executive Director, Climate Solutions Accelerator
Cody Donahue, Director of Policy & Advocacy, Reconnect Rochester
Michi Wenderlich, Organizer and Policy Specialist, Metro Justice
“The NY HEAT Act will play a vital role in transitioning our region’s energy grid off of fossil fuels and addressing the significant energy burden disproportionately faced by our BIPOC communities” said Abby McHugh-Grifa, Executive Director of the Climate Solutions Accelerator. “We need the Governor and State Legislature to prioritize NY HEAT in 2025.”
Join us to demand bold action to make energy affordable and advance climate justice for all New Yorkers.
For Media Inquiries:
Graham Hughes, Director of Policy & Advocacy
Email: graham@climategfl.org
Phone:
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About the Climate Solutions Accelerator:
The Climate Solutions Accelerator is an inclusive, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and facilitating large-scale climate mobilization in the nine-county Genesee-Finger Lakes Region. Our mission is to create a healthier, more equitable, and regenerative community by catalyzing local efforts to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and address the effects of climate change. We work with organizations and individuals to expedite climate progress by supporting the development of effective leaders, channeling their energy toward impactful local solutions, and removing barriers to progress. We bring together stakeholders across sectors to collaboratively define and advance intersectional climate action priorities for our region, using a collective impact approach. We are firmly committed to ensuring that all members of our community have opportunities to benefit from and participate in climate action at the local level.
For more information, visit climategfl.org