Gov. Kathy Hochul is calling for solutions to address the high energy costs facing New Yorkers. This comes as prices at the gas pump continue to rise amid the conflict in Iran.
Since the war in Iran began, gas prices are up 21% and energy costs are skyrocketing. Hochul says New Yorkers cannot afford more pain.
“Energy prices are too damn high. Utility costs are too damn high,” said Hochul on Monday in Tonawanda.
The Trump administration joined Israel in launching attacks on Iran, but Hochul says her constituents are having to foot the bill for chaos they did not create, with gasoline costs increasing by 62 cents per gallon in the last two weeks.
“President Trump’s war in Iran has thrown global energy markets into chaos. And guess what? When there is that chaos, it’s not the billionaires who are getting hurt. It’s not the oil executives. It’s not the politicians in Washington. It’s the working mom in Tonawanda. It is the delivery driver across the state in Albany. It’s the small business owner in Rochester,” said Hochul.
Amid this rise in costs, Hochul has stated her commitment to lowering energy costs, reiterating her ratepayer protection plan that she unveiled in her 2026 State of the State address.
“To hold energy companies accountable, to protect New Yorkers from rising bills, because utilities should not be getting richer when people are struggling day in and day out,” said Hochul.
Some points in that plan includes removing hidden fees on utility bills, increasing access to energy affordability programs, and protecting residents from the costs of data centers. Hochul also wants to reform New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act or the CLCPA. The 2019 climate law mandates the state to lower greenhouse gas emissions to 40% of 1990 levels by 2030 and 85% by 2050. However, Hochul says implementing this on its current timeline will make matters worse for New Yorkers. The CLCPA has been a key sticking point during budget negotiations. Hochul says she plans to announce proposed changes to the law this week.
“A judge is telling us that we have to comply with this even though we’re not ready for it. And if we do that, I can tell you as sure as I’m standing here, our costs will go up dramatically. An upstate family that relies on natural gas and oil to heat their home will have to have their utility bills increased by roughly $4,000 by 2031,” said Hochul.
Hochul is calling on the Legislature to work with her before the budget is due to create a plan that reflects the reality of today and not 2019, when this law was passed.