In light of DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis’ announcement earlier this week that new restrictions might be placed on outdoor wood boilers, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) today reminded Western New York residents that they should take advantage of voicing their concerns at an upcoming hearing. A public hearing on the issue will be held on Monday, June 14 at Genesee Community College, Conable Technology Building in Batavia.

The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) proposal looks to place new regulations on operating requirements for both new and existing outdoor wood boilers. Under the new restrictions, outdoor wood boilers would have to be at least 100 feet from neighboring properties and would have to be at least 18 feet in height.

“While I appreciate this proposal and its efforts to improve the environment and air quality across our state, I am concerned that it could substantially increase costs on Western New Yorkers who rely on outdoor wood boilers for home heating,” said Hawley. “With most new outdoor wood boilers costing thousands of dollars, these new restrictions could be unaffordable for many people whose boilers meet current DEC regulations.”

The DEC will be conducting public hearings across the state and will give informal information sessions on the newly proposed regulations. During these information sessions, the public will have the opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions about the potential new regulations and their impact on the community.

“I would encourage all residents who own an outdoor wood boiler to attend this public hearing to ask questions about potential regulation changes and to express any concerns. It is my hope that through this open dialogue, the DEC and residents will be able to come up with an effective and less costly proposal,” Hawley concluded.