S1783B

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Hinchey that prohibits liquefied petroleum gas companies from passing compliance costs related to government regulations and environmental requirements to consumers, in a 36-22 vote along largely party lines. The bill, which amends the Agriculture and Markets Law, aims to lower propane bills by eliminating undisclosed fees such as charges for undelivered gas, termination fees, and tank rental charges. Sen. Hinchey argued the measure addresses affordability concerns while the state transitions toward cheaper renewable energy. However, Republican opponents, including Sens. Borrello, Helming, and Martins, contended the bill is economically unworkable, arguing that companies will inevitably raise prices to offset mandated compliance costs. They criticized the legislation as part of broader state climate mandates that have driven up energy bills for New Yorkers. Sen. Borrello questioned whether the bill would require price controls to prevent cost-shifting, while Sen. Helming, herself a propane customer, argued the state should stop imposing costly mandates rather than restricting how companies recover costs. Sen. Hinchey countered that the bill specifically targets improper fees and represents an affordability measure at a time when constituents report skyrocketing energy costs. The bill passed with support from the Democratic majority.