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BIG WIN: State Legislature Ends 100-Foot Rule, Saving New Yorkers $200 Million Annually
We had long been advocating for the NY HEAT Act, which had three basic elements. And in the final days of New York’s legislative session, we agreed on a compromise deal that ensured one of those elements – the elimination of the 100-foot rule – got passed by both the Senate and the Assembly.
This legislation (S.8417/A.8888) amends the State’s Public Service Law that had required utilities to build a gas pipeline to any building or home within 100 feet of an existing gas main. With the New York State All-Electric Buildings Act, which will go into effect for buildings under seven stories in 2026, there should be no need for utilities to build gas lines to these new buildings. On top of that, utilities have been charging ratepayers $200 million per year for this unnecessary infrastructure. Owners can still request gas service, but they will have to pay for it themselves.
Cameron Clarke was quoted in a Yonkers Times article about the passage of this bill. WE ACT joins its Renewable Heat Now coalition partners in thanking the bill's sponsors, Senator Liz Krueger (D/WF-28) and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (D-52). And we are now urging Governor Hochul to sign this legislation into law.
WE ACT will continue to advocate for equitable energy affordability measures, including the remaining two elements of the NY HEAT Act: ensuring that energy bills do not exceed 6 percent of household income, which would directly address New York’s energy affordability crisis; and ending the obligation to serve gas, which would give utilities more flexibility in transitioning communities from natural gas to renewable energy, as mandated by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
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Happy Juneteenth!
Peggy Shepard was one of the Grand Marshals of the 32nd Annual Harlem Juneteenth Parade and Street Festival last Saturday. For those of you who may not be familiar with the holiday, we encourage you to read one of our earlier blog posts. But be advised that our offices are closed today and tomorrow. However, if you are looking for a way to celebrate today, you can participate in the Brotherhood Sister Sol's Juneteenth Compost Rebuild from 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM on Thursday, June 19th. Learn more here.
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Early Voting is Underway!
Early voting in the New York State Primary Election is underway, through Sunday, June 22nd. And Election Day is Tuesday, June 24th. If you haven't already voted, be sure to watch this video on Ranked-Choice Voting, as you will have to rank the candidates you support at the polls. Get more information here!
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June Membership Meeting: Let’s Talk Transit Justice on June 28th
Due to the 32nd Annual Harlem Juneteenth Parade and Street Festival (see above), we’ve had to reschedule our June Membership Meeting to Saturday, June 28th at 10:00 AM at P.S./I.S. 210 – The 21st Century Academy for Community Leadership, which is located across the street from WE ACT at the corner of 152nd & Amsterdam Avenue (501-503 West 152nd Street). We will be talking about transit justice in our community, including congestion pricing, accessibility, and Fair Fares. RSVP
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Apply For Cooling Assistance
Extreme heat is the deadliest impact of climate change, but no one feels the heat as much as communities of color – particularly Black New Yorkers. As summer’s heat is already upon us, we encourage you to access the following resources to help reduce your exposure – and share this Cooling Assistance Resources flyer with friends and neighbors.
New York City’s Air Conditioner Assistance
See if you are eligible for up to $800 for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan and up to $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve air conditioner.
New York State’s Air Conditioner Assistance
See if you are eligible for a free air conditioner under New York State’s Essential Plan Cooling Program.
New York State’s LIHEAP Cooling Assistance
See if you are eligible for LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which can help provide financial assistance to cool your home.
New York City’s Cooling Centers
Find the nearest cooling center in New York City during heatwaves.
U.S. CDC’s HeatRisk Forecast
Enter your zip code to get the HeatRisk for your community this week along with actions you can take to keep you and your family safe.
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