Albany, NY – In a significant victory for New Yorkers, the State Assembly has voted to repeal the outdated 100-foot rule — a long-standing policy that forced ratepayers to subsidize costly gas hookups for new customers. Eliminating the rule will end a $200 million-per-year subsidy that has fueled fossil fuel expansion and burdened New Yorkers with unnecessary infrastructure costs.

In response, Food & Water Watch New York State Director Laura Shindell issued the following statement:

“For years, everyday New Yorkers have been forced to foot the bill for fossil fuel expansion that pollutes our communities and drives up energy costs. Ending the 100-foot rule finally shuts down one of the most egregious fossil fuel giveaways in the state. This is a landmark step forward that will help curb further gas buildout and protect the public from bearing the cost.”

“While there’s still more to do to address our energy affordability and climate crises, repealing this rule is a pivotal moment in the fight for a cleaner, fairer energy system. Governor Hochul should sign this bill into law immediately.”

The repeal follows years of advocacy to eliminate policies that prop up the fossil fuel industry at the public’s expense. It marks a decisive accomplishment in the fight to reduce New York’s reliance on polluting fracked gas infrastructure.