Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) has joined Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) to call for the cost-analysis of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), its impact based on the New York State Climate Action Council’s Draft Scoping Plan, data that helped to inform the decision for tax raises and other documentation for public access.

​​“I am concerned with the direction of the CLCPA, not for its intent to protect the environment, but for its rigorous restrictions and their impact on small businesses and small local economies,” Smullen said. “We’re still trying to return to our pre-pandemic economy, and with an inflation rise coupled with job losses, we can’t afford to handicap our job creators with higher heating bills and outrageous gas prices. These measures don’t help at this time. They hinder our progress.”

“It is imperative that we understand the full costs associated with implementing the CLCPA in New York state before asking small businesses and families to shoulder the burden of actionable recommendations outlined in the plan,” said Leader Barclay. “Providing the public and the Legislature with the data, analysis and studies conducted will help all stakeholders make an informed decision about the state’s attempt to reach renewable energy goals. While clean and renewable energy will continue to be critical to the state’s long-term strategy, we will continue to call for a full and transparent cost-benefit analysis of the CLCPA to highlight the financial impact of these energy mandates.”

“Albany has a knack for passing well-intended legislation that sometimes overlooks significantly negative consequences,” said Senator Dan Stec.“The desire for clean energy is understandable but this is something that is crucial we get right - the first time.That means truly taking the time for careful and thorough analysis so everyone in our state, including taxpayers and our businesses, has a sense of what to expect in terms of changes in energy supply and distribution and the associated costs.” 

“The protection of our environment is critical to all New Yorkers,” said Senate Leader Ortt. “However, taxpayers should not be footing the bill to implement One-Party Rule Democrats’ version of a ‘Green New Deal’ when the state won’t even admit how much it will cost New Yorkers. Small businesses, working class families, and seniors are struggling with cost hikes. They and all of our residents deserve a full cost-benefit analysis for the CLCPA.”

“The environment is worth defending. New York’s natural beauty is worth fighting for. But we can’t leave people behind in this fight,” Smullen concluded.