Medina backs ‘Energy Choice Act’ and wants natural gas as option

One trustee says board not consistent in weighing in on resolutions that could be deemed ‘political’

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board approved a resolution in support of the “Energy Choice Act,” which would prohibit New York and other governments from banning natural gas in new construction.

Congressman Nick Langworthy has proposed the bill in Congress. The Orleans County Legislature on Sept. 23 voted in support of the Langworthy bill. The County Legislature is asking other local governments to back the proposal.

The Medina Village Board agreed, in a 4-1 vote, on Monday evening. Trustee Jess Marciano cast the lone opposing vote.

She referred to a meeting in June when the Village Board declined to vote on a resolution in support of keeping Job Corps centers open. Some board members said then they didn’t want to weigh in on resolutions of support on an issue, saying it could be construed as political.

Marciano said she was surprised the board wouldn’t take up a resolution in support of Job Corps but instead would rally behind the legislation proposed by Langworthy, a Republican from Erie County and former chairman of the Republican Party in New York State.

New York’s law against natural gas for new construction is set to start in 2026 and be phased in by 2028. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the majority of the State Legislature say limiting natural gas will help reduce carbon emissions.

Village Trustee Scott Bielski was one of the votes in support of the Langworthy legislation.

“It would be detrimental to the Village of Medina,” Bielski said about prohibiting natural gas on new construction. “It would hurt housing growth in Medina.”

Langworthy said the state’s stance against natural gas limits energy choices and will increase costs for consumers.