Sen. Kevin S. Parker

Sponsor argued that distributed energy is already lowering costs, that global natural gas prices drive utility rate increases, and that the CLCPA will ultimately reduce costs when fully implemented. Emphasized that NYSERDA programs help constituents access solar, battery storage, and other distributed energy systems that lower bills and create clean energy jobs.

Defended the CLCPA and clean energy investments as necessary for long-term affordability and energy independence. Argued global energy prices, not state policy, drive current utility costs, and that sustainable energy will ultimately lower costs.

Sponsor stated the Democratic Conference has led on utility affordability and the bill narrowly defines what utilities can charge to prevent bill increases and create real affordability for constituents. Systems benefit charges, mandated infrastructure costs, and various taxes are excluded from the definition and handled separately in rate cases.

Praised the bill as critical legislation addressing domestic violence by allowing victims to break utility and phone contracts to prevent abuser tracking. Called for additional legislation on coercive control and the Phoenix Act to address psychological and mental abuse not covered by current law.

The bill does not distinguish between power sources and aims to bring telecommunications facilities into CLCPA compliance while expanding sustainable energy. Parker argued the state can pursue both telecommunications expansion and renewable energy simultaneously, noting no telecom companies filed memos against the bill and it applies only to large systems.

Defended the RAPID Act as necessary for meeting CLCPA goals while maintaining municipal input through default approval processes. Argued that state authority to override local decisions is not unique to ORES and that the agency has respected local wishes in practice. Emphasized economic and health benefits of clean energy transition.

Argued the bill is essential for addressing diversity and equity in education by providing economic incentives to retain bilingual teachers. Emphasized the bill's particular importance for school districts with large multilingual populations, such as those in Queens, and noted his long-standing support dating to 2005.

Sponsor argued the project is necessary to meet CLCPA climate goals and that the offshore wind turbines were already approved through a separate process. NYSERDA involvement ensures proper oversight of the onshore interconnection. Emphasized that local elected officials issued a home-rule message supporting the project and that the legislation is permissive, not mandatory.

Stated broadband has become as essential as electricity, gas, and water. Argued the bill addresses the needs of the most vulnerable in communities and is not an either-or proposition with rural broadband expansion, which Democrats have prioritized.

Argued the bill brings qualified legal expertise to election oversight and protects voter rights. Emphasized that attorneys are officers of the court with professional oaths and that election law is uniform statewide, so attorneys from any county can effectively serve. Clarified that poll watchers cannot interact with voters and are only permitted to observe and report irregularities.

Characterized the bill as a consumer rights issue that codifies an existing practice already used by major utilities. Argued that companies voluntarily entering the utility business should be required to protect consumers through clear documentation and notification procedures, and criticized opponents for prioritizing corporate profits over consumer protection.

Argued that energy rates in New York have increased exponentially and that ratepayers need resources to fight back against utilities in rate cases. Stated the bill costs only $2-3 million annually, a rounding error in utility budgets, and cannot raise rates since utilities can only pass costs through approved rate cases.

Explained the Build Public Renewables Act as necessary for transitioning to clean energy economy. Stated that NYPA should participate in sustainable energy development and that utilities have withdrawn opposition to electrification requirements.

As bill sponsor and Energy Committee chair, Parker framed the legislation as part of an "all of the above" approach to meet climate goals. He argued NYPA needs authority to develop renewable projects because private developers cannot meet the state's energy needs alone, and emphasized the bill provides flexibility in procurement methods while ensuring fair compensation for any acquisitions.