Will Hochul Eliminate Affordable Gas Access? NY GOP Pushes Back on Controversial Bill

Senate Republicans in New York state are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to veto legislation they say would drive up energy costs and weaken New York’s already strained electric grid. Following the passage of Senate Bill 8417 (Krueger) / Assembly Bill 8888 (Simon), members of the Senate Republican Conference—including the Ranking Republican and several members of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee—sent a letter to the Governor asking her to reject what they call a short-sighted and costly change in energy policy.

Passed in the final hours of the 2025 legislative session, the bill eliminates New York’s longstanding “100-foot rule,” which requires utilities to cover the cost of new natural gas service connections within 100 feet of an existing main. Repealing that rule would shift connection costs—ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per building—onto homeowners, renters, builders, and small businesses.

“This bill will only continue to drive up costs on New Yorkers who are already struggling with energy affordability,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “Democrats’ delusional energy policies have once again gotten in the way of realistic solutions for hardworking New Yorkers. This is a bad bill that should have never been passed, and the Governor should do the right thing and veto it.”

Supporters of the legislation argue it is a necessary step toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels and advancing New York’s ambitious climate goals. They see the 100-foot rule as a taxpayer-funded subsidy for new natural gas infrastructure at a time when the state is trying to encourage a shift to cleaner energy. By eliminating the rule, Democrats aim to slow the expansion of natural gas use and accelerate the transition to electric systems powered by renewable sources.

Critics, however, say the move is premature and harmful. Senator Mario Mattera, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy Committee, warned that repealing the rule would hurt working families, threaten union jobs, and add pressure to an already overstressed electric grid.

“Until Albany Democrats offer a realistic plan that protects current residents, we must expand access to clean natural gas instead of trying to ban it,” Mattera said. “New York must support projects like the NESE and Constitution Pipelines and make energy more affordable before more families decide to leave for states with more sensible energy policies.”

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has also raised red flags, warning that eliminating the 100-foot rule could accelerate an unsustainable shift in energy demand, pushing more customers onto a grid that lacks sufficient generation and storage capacity.

“Albany Democrats remain relentless in their pursuit of unaffordable and unrealistic energy mandates,” said Senator Tom O’Mara. “They keep reaching deeper into the pockets of middle-class taxpayers while promising minimal benefits and ignoring the long-term damage to the economy and grid reliability.”

Senator Mark Walczyk added, “This is the first step in banning natural gas service in New York. The result will be higher prices for ratepayers and decreased reliability. It’s time to apply some common sense.”

While advocates of the bill point to long-term environmental and public health benefits, Republican senators caution that the lack of affordable, reliable alternatives will leave many New Yorkers footing higher bills and facing limited energy options.

“While we support the state’s commitment to a clean energy future, the path to that future must be practical, affordable, and reliable,” the letter concludes. “Policies that undermine affordability and energy security, especially for working families, will only erode public confidence and deepen economic challenges. For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to veto S.8417 / A.8888 and preserve the 100-foot rule for gas service in New York State.”

Governor Hochul has not yet announced whether she will sign the bill into law.