We are so close to becoming the first state to get fossil fuels out of new construction, but as expected, the gas industry is fighting back. In the final week of negotiations on this historic legislation, the fossil fuel industry has launched a disinformation campaign to undermine New York’s landmark climate law and the legislation needed to end our reliance on fossil fuels.

We need you to call your legislators right now to prevent the fossil fuel industry from tanking our agenda. 

“New Yorkers for Affordable Energy,” which according to Politico NY, is backed by the American Petroleum Institute, Danskammer, Millennium Pipeline and three New York utility owners, is running television ads across the state. And now, legislators are receiving hundreds of calls pushing the gas industry’s agenda. What they may not know is that buildings emit one-third of New York’s greenhouse gases, and energy and policy experts worldwide agree that beneficial electrification of heating and appliances with energy efficient technologies (like heat pumps and induction stoves) is the most affordable and effective way to decarbonize our buildings. New York City has already banned fossil fuels in new buildings, as have over 70 cities & municipalities in other states. 

We can overcome the fossil fuel industry opposition if we work together as we have in the past to show the people power behind getting New York off of fossil fuels. We will not let the fossil fuel industry delay climate action while they continue to build out the fracked gas system for years to come. 

Please call your legislators right now to tell them you want fossil fuels out of new construction by 2024 and that you want to stop gas infrastructure expansion. Here’s how:

1. Look up your State Legislators here. 

2. Click on your State Senator and Assemblymember to find their phone numbers. 

3. Give them each a call. You can use the script below. Feel free to add in at the end why you are passionate about climate change:

“Hi, my name is __________. I live in _______ and I am your constituent. I’m calling to ask my legislator to support Part EEE of the Senate’s TED* Budget proposal, which updates building codes and appliance efficiency standards, saving New Yorkers billions of dollars, and prohibits fossil fuels in new construction starting in 2024. I’m also asking for support for the Gas Transition and Affordable Energy Act sponsored by Senator Krueger (S8198) and Assemblymember Fahy (A9329). We must stop fossil fuel expansion in New York and implement our climate law in the budget. Thank you.”

*(TED stands for Transportation, Economic Development And Environmental Conservation, in case they ask)

Thank you for contacting your legislators and all you do to protect NY’s environment!