Depew trustees unanimously back federal Energy Choice Act and oppose New York natural‑gas bans
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Summary
The Village of Depew Board of Trustees on Jan. 12 adopted a resolution supporting the federal Energy Choice Act (HR 3,699 / S 1,945) and opposing New York State natural‑gas bans tied to the CLCPA, citing concerns about affordability and reliability.
A trustee read and the Village of Depew Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a resolution on Jan. 12 urging Congress to pass the Energy Choice Act (federal HR 3,699 / S 1,945) and urging opposition to New York State natural‑gas bans tied to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
The resolution, read aloud by a trustee during the meeting, stated that "affordable and reliable energy is essential to the health, safety, and economic prosperity of New York families, businesses, and communities" and said natural gas "remains a dependable, cost effective, and clean burning energy source used by millions of New Yorkers." The resolution said state policies that phase out natural‑gas hookups for some new buildings will “eliminate consumer choice and limit access to affordable energy.” (Text quoted from the motion as read to the board.)
The resolution names Congressman Nick Langworthy and cites federal legislation described in the motion as the Energy Choice Act. It also references New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and states the board’s opposition to state measures the resolution says would ban natural‑gas hookups for many new buildings effective in stages through 2029.
Trustees voted by roll call; the motion carried unanimously. The resolution directs the village clerk to send copies to Congressman Nick Langworthy, Senator Jim Justice (as read in the motion), New York’s congressional delegation including Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Governor Kathy Hochul, and leadership of the New York State Legislature.
The motion as read included assertions that the bans could increase costs and strain grid reliability; the transcript records those as claims offered in support of the board’s position but does not include supporting analysis or independent data presented at the meeting. The board did not hold further debate or present staff studies at the Jan. 12 session. The resolution will be a formal expression of the board’s position and does not itself change state or federal law.