NY Senate Republicans Call For Hochul to Veto Senate Bill Aimed at Eliminating “100-Foot Rule” For Natural Gas Service – Legislation Could Cost Thousands For Residents/Businesses

New York State Senate Republicans are calling for Governor Kathy Hochul to veto Senate Bill No. 8417 which would eliminate the state’s long-standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas service. Senate Republicans sent a letter to the governor on Thursday asking her to veto the bill and warned her of the potential financial burden it may have for residents and businesses. The bill passed both the State Assembly and State Senate in the final hours of the 2025 Legislative Session, NY Senate Republicans say.

The long-standing “100-foot rule” requires all utility providers to cover the cost of installing a new gas service connection that is located within 100 feet of an existing gas main. The proposed bill would repeal this rule. Senate Republicans warn repealing this could leave the cost to install a gas service connection to the residents or businesses. Costs could range anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000, per building. It was also noted the NY Independent System Operator warned eliminating this rule could bring an unstable transition and push customers to depend heavily on the electrical grid.

“This bill will only continue to drive up costs on New Yorkers who are already struggling with energy affordability. Democrat’s 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.

The bill was originally sponsored by New York State Senator Liz Krueger, a Democrat of the 28th Senate District. This district covers the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Midtown. It was also co-sponsored by Senators Fahy (SD-46), May (SD-48), and Kavanagh (SD-27).

“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,” said Senator Mario Mattera, ranking member of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee.

More information on Senate Bill S8417 may be found through the New York State Senate website as well as its progress.