Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - In the four months since Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-Clarence) introduced the "Energy Choice Act" many questions have been asked, but, for now the bill remains stalled in shutdown-stalled federal government.
The bill would give the federal government the legislative power to prohibit states and local governments from banning certain energy sources - such as natural gas - and give consumers the right to choose whatever energy source they want.
The driving force, Langworthy said in introducing the bill, is to counteract efforts by Gov. Kathy Hochul who are "waging an extremist crusade against natural gas."
But, Buffalo Democrat Rep. Tim Kennedy said the bill has more questions than answers.
"It needs to be studied more," Kennedy said.
Energy issues have become a major political talking point on the federal, state and local levels. Langworthy's bill is one of the examples of how energy issues have entered and taken centerstage in political discussions.
"We need to slam the brakes on these reckless, ideological mandates and restore sanity to America's energy policy," Langworthy said.
Kennedy said he is concerned about the impact of the bill, especially against the backdrop where President Trump wants to eliminate federal HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) dollars as part of the "Big Beautiful Bill" initiative.
"Too many people will be looking at sky rocketing energy costs," Kennedy said.
Kennedy said he needs to further study the Langworthy bill before deciding how he will vote, if the Energy Choice Act makes it to Congress for a vote.