BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) New York State is moving forward with a widespread change in energy policy.
The State's Climate Action Council Monday approved a scoping plan that would mean drastic changes for homes and businesses all over Western New York. You can read the full plan HERE.
The recommendations now head to the Governor and state Legislature.
Under the plan, starting in 2025, newly built homes will be prohibited from installing equipment powered by natural gas. And the sale of gas-powered appliances would be banned by 2030.
Nearly 90% of Western New York homes use natural gas for heat.
"We expressed significant concerns about a number of issues," said Dottie Gallagher, President/CEO of Buffalo Niagara Partnership on WBEN Tuesday. "One, is the unanticipated cost to consumers, which is going to be considerable. Two, is lack of reliability, as the current electric grid can barely handle the demand it has."
Gallagher expects the conversion to all-electric is going to have a chilling effect on development, on employers and on keeping jobs in Western New York and across the state.
"I've been saying that the plan lacks common sense and employers are not even represented on the council leadership. It's mostly government bureaucrats and activists. Without that voice at the table, decisions are being made, not based in reality," she added.
The Partnership has been asking the state to do a cost pro-forma to determine what the cost will be to taxpayers in the short-term and long-term
"Despite a year of hearings and getting input from organizations like the Partnership and Business Council, as well as folks in agriculture, who say this is going to be devastating for food production," Gallagher said "none of the concerns have been addressed and that is incredibly irresponsible."
New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-Niagara County) said it is going to mean a huge increase in the cost of living in New York and he thinks many people will vote with their feet and leave the state.
"There's no cost. I see no cost estimate," said Ortt. "And, who's paying for it ? I'll tell you who. It's going to be taxpayers footing the bill."
Asked if the WNY delegation might come together on and push back? Ortt said, "No. I expect every Democrat to either be silent or to support it wholeheartedly. I see no evidence that they will stand up to their constituents who will be impacted by this."
