Power Play: NY Senate GOP Demands Energy Emergency, Slams Climate Mandates

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency in response to what they describe as growing concerns over the reliability of New York’s electric grid and rising energy costs. The group is also calling on the Governor to suspend certain mandates tied to the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), citing feasibility and affordability issues.

The request was issued in a formal letter to Governor Hochul on July 10, co-signed by Ortt, Senator Mario Mattera — ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications — and several other Republican members of the State Senate. The letter highlights recent power grid stress during a heatwave, rising utility costs, and what the signatories view as overly ambitious and unrealistic climate mandates.

Among the specific policies Republicans are calling to suspend are the state’s mandates on electric vehicle adoption, electric school and transit buses, the ban on natural gas hookups in new buildings, the repeal of the “100-foot rule” (which previously allowed homes near gas lines to be connected), and the newly implemented Cap and Invest program.

In the letter, Republicans point to a recent comment from Governor Hochul acknowledging that it is “impossible to achieve the current objectives of the CLCPA without hurting ratepayers.” The letter also references remarks from the president of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), who recently indicated that the state’s energy plan may need to be updated to include fossil fuels to ensure reliability.

“A one-size-fits-all energy policy does not work,” Senator Ortt said in a public statement. “We need reliable and affordable energy alternatives, and a diverse portfolio is necessary to address the unique needs across our state. New Yorkers were left in the dark just a few weeks ago. We need to stop the insanity of the CLCPA and revisit policies that actually work.”

Senator Mario Mattera, who serves as the ranking member on the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, added that the power conservation warning issued during the recent heatwave should not be ignored.

“New Yorkers were told to conserve power because our grid couldn’t handle the demand,” Mattera said. “Albany Democrats are pushing extreme, unfunded mandates that eliminate reliable fuel sources without a backup plan. We need an energy policy grounded in reality, not ideology.”

Senator Tom O’Mara, also a member of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee, emphasized the economic impact of the mandates. “These mandates are delivering devastating price tags for families, businesses, school districts, farmers, and entire communities. It’s time to reassess,” he said.

Senator Mark Walczyk echoed those concerns, adding, “Governor Hochul’s energy policies have raised your bill and endangered the reliability of the grid. The threat of a government-caused blackout is now real. Suspend the gas bans and all-electric mandates before more damage is done.”

In the letter, Senate Republicans urge Hochul to use her executive authority to pause implementation of the CLCPA and revisit the state’s overall approach to energy. They argue that grid reliability and affordability must take precedence, particularly in rural and upstate regions where energy infrastructure may be less robust.

While Republican lawmakers have consistently opposed the CLCPA, many Democratic leaders and environmental organizations continue to support the law, which was passed in 2019 and is considered one of the most ambitious climate plans in the nation. The law aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050 and achieve net-zero emissions through carbon offsets and sequestration.

Supporters of the law argue that addressing climate change requires long-term commitment and structural transformation. They maintain that investing in renewable energy, improving grid infrastructure, and phasing out fossil fuels are essential to protecting public health, preventing climate-related disasters, and fostering economic growth through clean energy jobs. While there is some recognition of the need to update implementation timelines or funding mechanisms, many Democrats oppose a full-scale pause or rollback of the CLCPA’s core provisions.

Governor Hochul has not formally responded to the Senate Republicans’ letter. However, her recent public remarks suggest she is aware of the challenges in balancing ambitious climate goals with cost and implementation concerns. Her administration has continued to signal support for the state’s climate objectives while acknowledging that changes to strategy may be necessary as infrastructure and technology evolve.

The letter from Ortt and his colleagues concludes with a warning that “this is a pivotal moment for our state’s energy future,” urging the Governor to “act now to protect the stability of our energy grid and the economic well-being of all New Yorkers.”

As temperatures rise and demand for electricity increases, the debate over how New York should meet its energy needs — and who should bear the cost — is likely to remain front and center in Albany.