Hawley calls delay of All-Electric Buildings Act ‘victory for rural communities’

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) commented today on the state’s decision to delay the implementation of the controversial All-Electric Buildings Act.

The proposal, which was set to go into effect at the start of the new year, would prohibit natural gas and heating oil equipment in many new construction projects, including private residences. News of the delay broke after state attorneys agreed to a stipulation that was filed in the U.S. District Court calling for a suspension until an appellate court made a decision in the case.

This news comes amid backlash from upstate communities over the effect this policy would have on rural areas that rely on fossil fuels to heat and power their homes and businesses. Hawley, a longtime critic of this initiative, is pleased to see this delay; however, he hopes to see a permanent suspension of this proposal from the state.

“Today is a day of victory for rural communities across Western New York,” said Hawley. “We must keep in mind, however, that while Kathy Hochul’s ‘Green New Deal’ agenda has been delayed, we need to keep working toward a full repeal of this disastrous policy.

“I’ve spoken with countless individuals across my district, many of whom own small businesses or simply rely on fossil fuel sources in their daily lives, and they all tell me the same thing. This proposal was simply not feasible. I’m glad to see the state has finally woken up to the needs of rural communities, and I will continue to work alongside my colleagues in the state Assembly to repeal the rest of this radical climate agenda.”