Today, the New York State Senate passed the NY HEAT Act (S.2016-A Krueger/A.4592-A Fahy), which saves New Yorkers money on their utility bills and reduces building emissions by capping energy bails and giving the Public Service Commission (PSC) the authority and direction to align gas utility regulations and system planning with the state’s climate law.

The legislation, which was discussed during the SFY2024 budget negotiations, has been gaining momentum with a growing list of cosponsors in both the state Senate and Assembly, and now Senate passage. Measures in the bill have been cited by advocates and the state Climate Action Council as necessary for the state to achieve the mandates of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The following statement can be attributed to Liz Moran, New York policy advocate for Earthjustice:

“The HEAT Act will save New Yorkers money, cut pollution in our homes, and help shift New York to a healthier all-electric future, all while creating good jobs. It’s a vital piece of legislation for our climate future, and we’re thrilled to see it cross a key hurdle today with climate and clean air champions in the New York State Senate standing up against fossil fuel industry lies and voting to pass it. We thank Senator Krueger for her leadership and urge the Assembly to pass the HEAT Act before the legislative session is scheduled to end. There’s no reason for the Assembly to hesitate on a win-win for New Yorkers wallets and the climate.”