Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Over the years in Albany, so much talk has revolved around the state's energy plans, whether it's a natural gas ban in new builds or an all-electric push from lawmakers across New York.
What do the two candidates in Tuesday's special election for the 61st State Senate District seat believe, when it comes to the state's energy plans?
Democratic candidate Jeremy Zellner feels the state is in need of some solutions for problems relating to climate change and fossil fuels.
"We have to do something about it," said Zellner in an interview with WBEN. "I think it's important we kind of get some facts out there, and I think there's been a lot of demonization of things. ... It's important to remember this only impacts new buildings, and there are ways for different groups to have waivers. I think we've also got to take into effect if the grids can handle some of the electricity requirements because of this. I think it's good that we're slowing it down - this is in court right now, and we're waiting to see how that comes out - but we can't just say, 'No, we can't do these things,' because there's some misinformation."
Zellner has heard the concerns from constituents in the district, and understands where it's coming from.
"I hear it when I'm talking to people at their homes, at businesses. They're concerned they're going to have to have an expensive change over to electricity, but that's just not the case. That's not going to be the case that people have to do that. So I think it's important to get facts out, and everybody gets their facts straight," Zellner said.
Currently in Washington, Congressman Nick Langworthy (R, NY-23) continues to push for his "Energy Choice Act" to become law at the federal level. If passed and signed into law, it would prevent state and local governments from banning or limiting the use of specific energy sources, like natural gas, in homes and buildings.
While Zellner feels energy decisions should be left to the states, he does believe there's a lot more to discuss.
"You've got several different options - you've got nuclear [power] on the table now here in New York State - and I think it's all about listening and finding out the facts, and seeing what is our best choice to keep the environment safe, to keep us safe, to keep us powered," Zellner noted. "We're using an awful lot of power these days, especially electricity, and we can't just move to electricity immediately. It could take a toll on businesses, it could take a toll on people's pocketbooks."
What Zellner is seeing right now is the toll that's being put on customers for their energy usage.
"These companies are making record profits, and rate payers are paying through the roof. We've got to take a look at that, and that's something I want to do as soon as I hit the ground," Zellner said.
Zellner is asking voters with energy concerns in New York to take the time to research and look at the facts about what's being discussed
"There's been a lot of misinformation put out there that folks are going to come and force them to transition, and that's just not the case. So we've got to have a smart way here to get out of the fossil fuel industry and start to use clean energy, but not at the expense of everybody," he said.
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As for Republican candidate Dan Gagliardo, he feels New York can't simply rely on just one energy source and one only.
"The state has these lofty goals about doing this and clean energy and all that, but we have to do this responsibly. You just don't throw electrification in and think this is all going to happen," said Gagliardo with WBEN. "The problem is we have a compound of different problems. The grid can't handle it and needs to be upgraded. So this process by which they want to go needs to be slowed down. We need to be looking at what is the best thing, and what's going to cost us - how much money and where is this going to take us."
Gagliardo believes a combination of both gas and electric energy is what's best for residents and businesses alike.
"Natural gas is still 68% more efficient. You can't be pushing all just one thing, and I think the residents have spoken out against it," he said.
"If we want to have electric and we want to do this, or we want to do something, I think there needs to be a combination. It's like having a hybrid engine - having all electric is not always good and having all gas is not good. But if we have something in between, it's much better. So in this particular instance, I think we can come to the idea that maybe electric is used here and gas is used there."
Like Zellner, Gagliardo is happy that the state's energy plan has been paused for the time being. He strongly feels there's no need to rush any decision relating to energy initiatives.
And if there's going to be a combination of energy options, one point Gagliardo wants to make is to no put the costs associated with utilities on the back of the consumers.
"Right now, our electric bills in my business have increased from $1,400 a month to $2,200, because we're using more electric. Well, if the grid can't handle it and it's hitting the pocketbooks of the constituents, we're not doing what we're supposed to do," Gagliardo noted.
When it comes to Langworthy's push in Washington, Gagliardo ultimately feels it will be the states that rule on energy plans in the end. While he understands Langworthy's premise of the bill, he knows in some states, they may be able to utilize one specific energy source and prefer doing something on that in certain areas.
"I just think that any one path is dangerous, because I think we should have the ability to have a multitude of choices. So I agree the choice is good. I understand where Congressman Langworthy is going, but I also believe it'll end up in the hands of the states," Gagliardo added.
Gagliardo understands New York cannot make these types of decisions relating to energy haphazardly, and pushing it down people's throats.
"I'm a proponent of making sure we keep both, that we have choices and we upgrade our grid. But I also think we have to be responsible in how we are doing this," he said. "We need to talk to our counterparts - the Dems, the Republicans, the Independents, the Conservatives. Everybody has to talk about this, and make sure that we're not putting this on the back of our constituents. That's what I'm going to fight for when I'm the senator on Feb. 4."