Freeport, NY — Long Island activists rallied today on the Nautical Mile, an area hard hit by Superstorm Sandy, against continued fossil fuel reliance and heating bill rate hikes. Groups demanded Gov. Hochul pass the NY HEAT Act in her state budget, expected next month, with Donald Trump poised to bring his reckless “Drill, baby, drill” mantra back to the White House. A recording of today’s event is available here.

As winter begins, gas utilities across the state are yet again looking to raise rates and charge everyday New Yorkers 18% more for heat. 1 in 4 New Yorkers already can’t afford energy prices — and a clear majority are desperate for policies to make life more affordable for them.

The NY HEAT Act, which would help control future gas rate hikes, save the families who need it most $164/month on average, and move New York to a 21st-century energy system is popular across party lines. The bill has broad support across the legislature and almost passed last year before dying in the Assembly in the last days of the legislative session. Now, Long Island residents are asking: Our bills are going up, what is Governor Hochul doing about it? Governor Hochul must deliver for her constituents and prioritize the NY HEAT Act when they return to Albany.

Food & Water Watch Senior New York Organizer Eric Weltman said:

“Governor Hochul must stand up for struggling New Yorkers by putting the NY HEAT Act in her budget. The popular bill will cap utility bills and stop wasting taxpayer money on dirty gas system buildout supercharging climate disasters like Superstorm Sandy and this summer’s dangerous flooding on Long Island.”

Long Island Progressive Coalition Climate & Energy Campaigns Director Ryan Madden said: “The NY HEAT Act tackles two major issues of our time: the affordability crisis and the climate crisis. Governor Hochul has the opportunity to lead on a bold climate agenda that centers cost of living by including NY HEAT in her budget. Let’s lower bills and move to cleaner heat now.”

George Povall, Executive Director of All Our Energy said: “As utility bills for dirty energy spike including an unaffordable 40% rate hike for fossil gas heating, multiple devastating climate disasters, and wasteful spending of ratepayers’ hard-earned dollars, it is time for Governor Hochul to protect New Yorkers and adopt the full NY HEAT Act in her budget. It will provide cleaner heat for all, lower energy bills, upgrade our homes, and protect our planet.”