ALBANY – Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski is raising the alarm over a proposed bill that would eliminate the ability of homeowners and businesses to use natural gas.

The Home Energy Affordable Transition ACT or HEAT Act, S.B4158/A.4870A, is currently under review by the state Senate and Assembly.

The HEAT Act would grant the New York Public Service Commission the authority to discontinue “the use of gas for any customer, group of customers or section of the gas distribution system” if the commission determines it’s necessary to meet the state’s goals to eliminate the use of fossil fuels under New York’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

“The HEAT Act is another radical attempt by the Democrat majority in Albany to take away choice from New Yorkers and eliminate the use of reliable, affordable natural gas to heat our homes and businesses and power our economy,” Sempolinski said. “New York is responsible for 0.4 percent of global carbon emissions, less than half a percent. I’m not against protecting the environment, far from it. But the HEAT Act will dramatically increase costs and drive more people and businesses out of New York.”

The HEAT Act includes a proposal to cap energy costs at 6 percent of household income, but only low-income New Yorkers would qualify, leaving already struggling middle-class New Yorkers to pick up the cost on their own. Industry experts estimate that more than half of New York households could see an annual increase of $800 in their energy bills if the act becomes law.

“This is all about control and a political agenda, not responsible energy policy. The HEAT Act would eliminate the right of New Yorkers to choose to heat their homes with natural gas and use natural gas appliances. It will also increase costs. It will cost an estimated $20,000 to $50,000 per household for people to convert their homes to all electric appliances. The governor likes to talk a lot about New York’s affordability crisis. The HEAT Act will just add to the financial burden on New York’s hard-working taxpayers,” Sempolinski said.