Town of Cortlandville Voices Opposition to Natural Gas Ban by State

During Wednesday’s Cortlandville Town Board meeting, the town board entertained and voted on a resolution of support for New York Congressman Nick Langworthy’s (NY-23) Energy Choice Act and opposition to New York State’s natural gas ban. In 2023, Governor Hochul signed into law provisions within the state budget that will ban natural gas and other fossil fuel hookups for most new residential and commercial buildings. The law goes into effect this January for smaller buildings (less than 7 stories) and in 2029 for all new construction.

“Governor Hochul has publicly supported these bans and related measures as part of her administration’s climate and energy agenda, despite widespread concerns that such mandates will increase costs, strain grid reliability, and restrict energy diversity.” According to the resolution.

The ban does have exemptions for hospitals, car washes, laundromats, laboratories, manufacturing plants, and commercial food establishments.

The state argues the ban is an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but those in opposition believe it will increase housing costs, create housing shortages, and is a form of government overreach. Some have also expressed their concern that the use of electric appliances will only drive up electricity prices further.

Councilmember David Donlick highlights the impact this new law will be saying it will affect a lot of people and is a big deal to consider. He added his concern for those looking to build a new house and now not being able to install natural gas. The entire board, including Supervisor Leach voiced their support and voted unanimously in support of Representative Lanworthy’s proposed bill and opposition to the state’s gas ban.