Assemblyman Patrick Chludzinski (R,C-Cheektowaga) is calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to veto a bill (A.8888/S.8417), which would scrap New York’s decades-old “100-foot rule” for natural gas.

Currently, utilities cover the cost of connecting new homes or buildings to nearby gas mains within 100 feet. This has been helping families, renters and developers avoid thousands of dollars in upfront fees. The proposed bill would be a backdoor way to force homes to go all electric, significantly increasing housing and energy expenses.

“New Yorkers are already struggling with sky-high energy bills,” Chludzinski said. “Eliminating the 100-foot rule would slam working families with even more costs, drive up housing prices and limit energy choices. Ultimately, this would become an estimated $3,000 to $15,000 burden on everyday people trying to get by.”

The bipartisan letter lawmakers sent to the governor warns that repealing the rule would strain the electric grid, raise construction costs and make energy less accessible for communities across the state.

“Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying their bills or putting food on the table,” Chludzinski added. “The governor has the power to stop this. She must veto this bill and work with us to deliver energy policies that are practical, affordable and fair for every New Yorker.”