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Legislature backs state climate and utility reforms, urges protections for ratepayers
Summary
The Legislature passed two member-filed resolutions urging state action on climate bills and reforms to protect utility ratepayers (including transparency in return-on-equity calculations). Votes were 10–2 and 12–1 respectively; discussion stressed affordability and regulatory transparency.
The Tompkins County Legislature passed a package of member-filed resolutions urging state lawmakers to pursue a range of climate-related and energy-affordability reforms.
Resolution K, advanced by Legislator Irene Weiser, listed several state bills and requested action to address climate change, energy affordability and related issues; it passed 10–2. Weiser and supporters said shifting toward renewable energy and enforcing existing state rules would improve affordability and long-term resilience. Resolution L focused on utility-rate protections, including greater transparency about the return-on-equity (ROE) calculations used in rate cases and remote access for public participation in hearings; it passed 12–1.
Supporters argued these measures protect consumers and give local governments tools to pursue equitable climate policy; opponents cautioned about state budget trade-offs. The Legislature also committed to file comments in ongoing regulatory proceedings where appropriate. The measures are advisory urging state and PSC action rather than binding local law.
