Pembroke, N.Y. (WBEN) If elected governor, Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman knows a couple of things when it comes to his energy policy.
First, fracking - especially tapping into the natural gas-rich Marcellus Shale formation that cuts through New York and several other states is a must.
Doing so would aid the economy, create jobs and reduce rising energy costs.
"There's reason why in Pennsylvania you see so many brand new Cadillac Escalades and in New York you see beat up 20-year-old pick up trucks," Blakeman said.
Second, Blakeman would toss out the controversial Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act - a 2019 mandate by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo designed to reduce New York's greenhouse gas emissions and other green energy initiatives.
"One of the first things I'd do is get ready of that green energy scam," Blakeman said.
Green energy is one of the key election year talking points between Blakeman, the Nassau County county executive, and incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has the Democratic Party backing.
Hochul favors reducing the state's traditional energy output and replacing it with green energy initiatives but she also, earlier this month, put a pause on the CLCPA mandates.
"We needed a longer runway," Hochul said.
Blakeman, however, dismisses Hochul's CLCPA pause as an election year "political stunt."
"People know where I stand," Blakeman said.
Blakeman said New Yorkers should have energy choices be it traditional fossil fuel sources like natural gas or electric options.
Choices, Blakeman said, will help reduce energy costs because of the competitive nature between energy suppliers.
"Let the people decide what they want in their homes," Blakeman said.
GOP Gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman talks energy issues
