WASHINGTON, D.C. — A major fight over America’s energy future is heating up on Capitol Hill.
Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) believes the government should not mandate how Americans heat their home. His legislation, the Energy Choice Act, aims to make that the law of the land.
“I’ve made this legislation my absolute top priority because I know firsthand what’s at stake if we cut off access to natural gas,” said Langworthy, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Tuesday evening on Capitol Hill, Langworthy was joined by several NY House GOP colleagues including Reps. Claudia Tenney, Mike Lawler, and Elise Stefanik, who is running to be the next governor of New York.
Several New York state Republican lawmakers were also there to show their support for the measure.
“New Yorkers want energy choice. They want affordable and reliable energy. That’s why we need the energy choice Act,” said New York State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano. “Governor Hochul likes to say all the right things about an all of the above approach, affordable and reliable energy. The problem is her actions and policies do not match her words.”
Langworthy said the federal effort comes in response to statewide efforts in New York to prohibit natural gas from new building and home construction. New York’s proposed ban has been put on pause, for now.
The bill would prohibit any future bans on connections, installations, or expansions of energy services. Langworthy argues the legislation is about affordability, safety and protecting consumers’ options.
“The looming natural gas ban has made this a cataclysmic issue that is affecting our entire state’s economy,” Langworthy said. “Gas stoves and gas fireplaces literally saved lives in communities like ours. This push to full electrification is not just misguided and dangerous. It’s going to have a devastating effect on people’s household budgets and housing supply.”
The bill is gaining support from more than 120 House members and a broad coalition across the energy, construction, and real estate sectors. Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) is leading the companion bill in the Senate.
“It’s gained support from 123 members of the House of Representatives from dozens of states, everyone from Democrats to constitutional conservatives, because they know the horrible impact that this bad policy will have if it takes root not just in New York, but across the country,” Langworthy said.
Langworthy added that a committee markup on the bill could occur as early as Wednesday. It would be a major step toward a full House vote.
