Today, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Marcy) announced she has co-sponsored the Rural Energy Freedom Act. This legislation would exempt the burning of wood, used for cooking or heating buildings, from restrictions under the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

“While the CLCPA was well intended, it did not consider how many constituents in the 119^th District heat their homes with wood furnaces. The CLCPA could inadvertently ban the use of wood as a fuel source and prohibit those living in rural areas from using it to heat their homes," stated Assemblywoman Buttenschon. "This commonsense legislation will ensure the CLCPA will not prohibit or restrict New Yorkers from using wood as a fuel source."

Using wood as a fuel source is much cleaner than using fossil fuels such as oil and coal. In 2018, the EPA declared wood burning a carbon-neutral energy source and the federal government recognized it as a renewable energy source in 2022. According to Scientific American, burning wood produces between 65% to 95% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels.

"In Upstate New York, the use of wood as a fuel for homes and businesses is extremely commonplace. With our unpredictable weather patterns and severe winters, wood for fuel can be a life-saving heat source during cold temperatures and down powerlines," said Buttenschon. "I applaud Assemblymember Smullen for introducing the Rural Energy Freedom Act and I am proud to support it. As we move towards a more sustainable future, I will always ensure my constituents are not subjected to restrictions on how they can heat their homes. "