Nassau Standard

New York State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and members of the Senate Republican Conference today unveiled the “Creating Lasting Affordable Energy for New York,” a comprehensive legislative package aimed at ensuring a clean, affordable energy future for all New Yorkers.

This summer, critics have cited the administration's failure to meet benchmarks enacted under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Since its enactment, Democrats have been criticized for their lack of progress, leading to frustration among ratepayers, taxpayers, business organizations, and even climate advocacy groups. In response, Senate Republicans are proposing measures to protect both the environment and taxpayers' financial interests.

These proposals coincide with the fifth anniversary of the CLCPA becoming law and precede the upcoming “Future Energy Economy Summit” in September.

The Senate Republicans' package aims to delay the CLCPA mandate while providing taxpayer relief, ensuring grid reliability, and maintaining an affordable and diverse energy portfolio across New York State.

“Our legislative package is about securing clean and affordable energy for every New Yorker, and we're committed to doing it the right way. Our proposals lower costs of the transition for New Yorkers seeking cleaner energy while putting local decision-making back in the hands of local municipalities. Our package finds the right balance—hitting our environmental goals to keep our communities strong and ensuring a clean and prosperous environment for future generations to come,” stated Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, 9th District.

The "Creating Lasting Affordable Energy for New York" legislative package includes several key proposals:

- Delay CLCPA mandates by ten years to develop a sustainable plan for affordable clean energy infrastructure.

- Create the “Ratepayer Relief Act” to determine CLCPA mandate costs and provide equivalent relief to ratepayers.

- Prevent state closure of power generation facilities before new ones are operational; offer tax credits for backup power systems.

- Study feasibility of reactivating Indian Point; expand investment in alternative energy options.

- Encourage solar use by expanding residential solar energy credit; introduce new solar STAR credit; re-establish local control over renewable project siting.

- Establish a commission to evaluate grid electrification impact on heating system safety during extreme winter weather incidents.

- Provide tax credits to hydroelectric plants offsetting relicensing costs.

- Create “Rural Energy Infrastructure Act of 2025” offering tax credits for natural gas infrastructure buildout in underserved areas.

- Prohibit state-mandated electrification of personal vehicles.

- Establish New York State hydrogen vehicle task force to explore clean fuel alternatives.