Dear Members of the plumbing and HVAC trades:
Legislation has been introduced in the New York State Senate and Assembly that targets for elimination a critical skillset of the plumbing and HVAC trades. Senate Bill 6843A and companion legislation Assembly Bill 8431 will prohibit natural gas installations in all new construction beginning in 2023.
The effort to eliminate the use of natural gas is part of a broader vision by environmentalists to shift the energy grid to 100% electricity powered by a combination of windmills, solar farms, renewable energy and nuclear power. The goal is to achieve a carbon-free energy grid by 2035, and zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
While there is little doubt plumbing and HVAC contractors will be negatively impacted by this effort to eliminate natural gas, our customers will bear the brunt of this effort. It risks putting undue stress on electric grids as households shift to 100% electricity, limits consumer choice for their energy needs, and increases costs for consumers by forcing them to retrofit their homes with costly new equipment.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Contact your state legislators and Governor Hochul, and tell them that you support consumer choice and a diversified energy portfolio that includes the use of clean burning natural gas. Natural gas is not just an industry preference; 70% of Americans including New Yorkers prefer natural gas to heat their homes, cook their food, and save money on energy bills in a state where electricity rates are some of the highest in the country.
Submit your contact information in the fields on the right of your screen, and urge your representatives in Albany to support consumer choice by opposing Senate Bill 6843A and Assembly Bill 8431.