Today Governor Hochul signed legislation A.8888/S.8417 into law, ending a policy known as the 100 foot rule, which forced ratepayers to subsidize the expansion of gas pipelines. 

The repeal of this subsidy will save New Yorkers an estimated $600 million per year in increased energy costs according to a study by the Public Utility Law Project (PULP). 

Hochul’s signature for this important legislation also comes after making numerous decisions this year to deepen New York’s reliance on fossil fuels and hamper renewable development. 

In response, Food & Water Watch’s New York State Director Laura Shindell issued this response:

“Governor Hochul has finally done the right thing, but only after a litany of horrific climate decisions this year. Her signature on this important legislation will not overshadow the shame of her approval of the 3.2 billion dollar Williams NESE fracked gas pipeline in NYC, nor overshadow the permits she granted to build a Bitcoin-mining fracked gas power plant in the Finger Lakes. It is simultaneously necessary, and woefully inadequate for New Yorker’s health, climate, and wallets.”