Sen. Mario Mattera

Argued the bill is an unfunded mandate that will increase utility bills and drive residents out of New York. Questioned the cost data supporting savings claims and cited PSC reports showing 10 percent rate increases since CLCPA inception. Expressed concern about job losses for gas utility workers and plumbers without adequate retraining provisions.

The bill denies New Yorkers freedom to choose their energy source. Polls show 71 percent of New Yorkers oppose banning natural gas and 59 percent oppose pipeline bans. The state should support pipeline expansion and LNG infrastructure rather than unrealistic bans that harm ratepayers and businesses.

Voted in opposition to the measure.

Opposed the bill due to safety hazards posed by lithium-ion battery storage equipment, which he stated have a 5% chance of catching fire and burn at 5,000 degrees with no effective extinguishing method. He urged all senators to vote no and referenced fire department concerns in his district.

Objected to dismissal of Teamster concerns, noting 120,000 members across three Joint Councils oppose the bill. Stated New York State Conference of Teamsters oppose (not neutral) and requested amendments to protect beverage delivery jobs.

Pressed for project labor agreement protections for the $1 billion Sustainable Futures Program and the $2.65 billion housing investment, concerned about union construction workers and local workforce participation. Questioned the definition of 'peace agreement' language in the bill and sought assurances that building trades would be involved in job sites.

Called the MTA a 'money pit' and criticized congestion pricing as gouging construction workers and other constituents. Expressed concern that the budget will drive more people out of New York State.

Argued that a proposed amendment to repeal the All-Electric Building Act was germane to the bill and should be heard. Contended that the All-Electric Building Act will dramatically increase construction costs (citing $20,000 increases for single-family homes), eliminate jobs in the trades without retraining, and raise utility bills for New Yorkers already facing an affordability crisis and high electricity rates compared to neighboring states.

Voted in opposition to the measure.

Criticized the budget for doing nothing to address the opioid and fentanyl crisis despite being a $237 billion budget, and expressed frustration with the lack of action on substance abuse issues.

Raised extensive concerns about battery storage safety, citing fires and lack of perfection in the technology. Questioned whether the state should mandate expensive experiments before technology is proven, and criticized the cost burden on ratepayers.

The bill effectively bans natural gas by making it unaffordable and inaccessible for new connections, costing homeowners up to $50,000 to convert. It will eliminate 30 percent of utility worker jobs with inadequate retraining support, harm manufacturers who need gas, and impose trillions in costs on New Yorkers. The bill prioritizes mandates over consumer choice and ignores pending constitutional lawsuits against natural gas bans.

The amendment would study the impact on taxpayers and ratepayers of CLCPA implementation, including impacts on monthly bills and total state spending. Electric bills could increase three to four times, and the state needs a comprehensive plan addressing nuclear, green hydrogen, geothermal and other sources rather than relying solely on wind and solar.

The bill puts the cart before the horse by mandating gas phase-out without adequate renewable energy infrastructure. It will triple or quadruple electric bills for New Yorkers and lacks clarity on who pays for the transition. New Yorkers need a plan, not a ban.

Questioned whether utilities can handle the electrical load from electrification and who will pay for grid upgrades. Raised concerns about mixed-use buildings and the inconsistency of allowing gas in restaurants but not in apartments above them.