Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - All it took was one phone call from a constituent that really hit home for State Assemblyman Paul Bologna when it came to energy issues.
That call?
It was Bologna's father who had just received his monthly energy bill and it topped $800.
That's why Bologna and his fellow Republican state lawmakers are pushing for a series of energy-related reforms - all aimed at reducing costs and mandates on the consumers, be it home owners or corporate entities.
"People are not necessarily confused, but they are angry," Bologna said.
Energy issues - from rising utility bills to all-electric mandates - have become a major political talking point.
The push comes from efforts by New York State to reduce its carbon footprint as a means to help with environmental concerns.
But, many feel the push is too much, too soon.
"Hands down, this is the top issue," Bologna said.
Bologna said being more environmental friendly is important but measures should be implemented gradually and not forced with hard deadlines.
"This has become a policy problem," Bologna said.
Among the bills he is championing include:
- Freezing all government fees and taxes on all utility bills. Fees and taxes make up approximately 12% of a monthly utility bill. On a $400 monthly, the reduction would make it a $350.
- Offering utility rebate checks to anyone earning less than $300,000.
- Repealing the all-electric vehicle mandate.
- Allowing municipalities the right to chose if they want to enforce the all-electric building mandates.
"Let the market dictate," Bologna said. "We need action, not slogans."