Previously Published in The Messenger
By Cait Crudden
New York Senate Republicans are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul (D) to veto legislation that would eliminate the state’s longstanding “100-foot rule” for natural gas service, warning the change would lead to higher utility costs, increased strain on the electric grid, and job losses in key sectors.
The controversial legislation, Senate Bill 8417 – sponsored by Senator Liz Krueger (D-Upper East Side) – and Assembly Bill 8888 – sponsored by Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon (D-Boerum Hill) – passed both chambers of the Legislature during the final hours of the 2025 session. It would repeal a rule that requires utility companies to cover the cost of new natural gas hookups for properties located within 100 feet of an existing gas main. Those costs, typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per connection, would now be shifted directly to homeowners, builders, and small businesses.
“This bill will only continue to drive up costs on New Yorkers who are already struggling with energy affordability. Democrats’ delusional energy policies have once again gotten in the way of realistic solutions for hardworking New Yorkers. This is a bad bill that should have never been passed, and the Governor should do the right thing and veto it. Our Conference will continue to advocate for smart, realistic, cost-effective energy solutions,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda).
The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which manages the state’s electric grid, has also warned that eliminating the rule could place additional strain on a grid already struggling with capacity shortfalls. Critics say the bill would force more consumers to rely on electricity for heating and cooking, despite limited renewable energy generation and inadequate energy storage infrastructure.
In a joint letter to Governor Hochul, Republican members of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee urged her to reject the measure. “We write to respectfully urge you to veto Senate Bill No. 8417 / Assembly Bill No. 8888, which would eliminate New York’s long-standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas service. This rule currently requires utilities to cover the cost of new gas service connections located within 100 feet of an existing main. The proposed legislation would shift these costs—ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per building—to customers, placing an undue burden on homeowners, builders, and renters across the state,” the letter reads.
Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), the committee’s ranking member, criticized the legislation as harmful and out of touch with energy needs on the ground. He stated, “As Ranking Republican on the Senate Energy Committee, I urge Governor Hochul to acknowledge common sense by vetoing this harmful legislation.
“Signing it will raise costs for families and businesses, cost hardworking men and women of labor their careers and harm our residents’ access to affordable and clean energy. Until Albany Democrats offer a realistic plan that protects current residents, we must expand access to clean natural gas instead of trying to ban it. New York must instead support the NESE and Constitution Pipelines, make sure our residents have the energy they need and do all it can to make energy affordable before more New Yorkers decide they have had enough and move to states with more sensible energy policies.”
Other Republican lawmakers echoed the concerns. Senator Tom O’Mara (R-Big Flats) blasted the legislation as yet another example of “unaffordable and unrealistic energy mandates,” arguing that it would “destroy family budgets, kill local jobs, and weaken local economies.”
Senator Mark Walczyk (R-Watertown) added, “I urge Governor Hochul to veto this first step in banning natural gas service in New York. The result will be increased prices for ratepayers and users of the low-carbon fuel. At the same time, this legislation would decrease reliability and increase pressure on New York’s electrical grid. It’s time to apply some common sense.”
While state Democrats say the bill is a step toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels and aligning with the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, opponents argue that it moves too fast and without adequate support for impacted communities.
Governor Hochul has not publicly commented on the legislation. If she signs it into law, the bill could shift a dramatic financial burden to many families and businesses. Senate Republicans have pledged to continue fighting what they call “extreme and impractical” energy mandates that burden middle-class New Yorkers.