Former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Former Lt. Governor Robert Duffy Join Natural Allies Leadership Council to Advance Energy Reliability and Affordability in New York
(ALBANY, NY) — Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future announced today that former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz and former New York Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy have joined the Natural Allies Leadership Council. The two leaders will help guide the organization’s efforts in New York to promote an all-of-the-above energy strategy that advances reliability, affordability, and emissions reductions through pragmatic partnerships between natural gas and renewable energy.
Diaz and Duffy join a growing bipartisan coalition of federal, state, and local leaders—including former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), former Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH), former Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), and former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter (D), who are working to ensure that the nation’s clean energy transition does not come at the expense of working families or grid reliability.
“I’m proud to join Natural Allies and bring New York’s voice into the national conversation about energy reliability and affordability,” said Ruben Diaz. “New Yorkers are paying some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, and working families feel that burden every month. Our state has made tremendous progress toward its climate goals, and we must ensure that this transition continues in a way that is equitable—delivering reliable, affordable power to every community across New York.”
“New York’s economy relies on dependable, affordable power to keep growing,” said Robert Duffy. “As new technologies and industries shape our future, we need reliable energy to power that progress. That’s why I support Governor Hochul’s all-of-the-above strategy, which recognizes that natural gas—alongside renewables and nuclear—plays a vital role in meeting demand and keeping energy affordable for families and businesses. Natural Allies shares that belief that a strong economy and a sustainable energy future must go hand in hand.”
Susan Waller, Executive Director of Natural Allies, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Ruben and Bob to the Leadership Council. They bring decades of public service experience and a shared commitment to reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy. Their insight will be invaluable as we expand our work in New York, where energy demand is growing rapidly and the need for balanced solutions has never been greater.”
New Yorkers continue to face energy costs well above the national average, straining household budgets and business operations. The state’s power grid remains under stress, as seen during Winter Storm Elliott, when New Yorkers were just days away from devastating power outages. With the state positioning itself as a hub for technology, innovation, and growth, a stronger, more diversified energy system is essential to keep pace with economic progress and clean energy goals.
About Robert J. Duffy
Robert J. Duffy has served as President and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce since 2015. Previously, he served as Lieutenant Governor of New York (2011–2014), Mayor of Rochester (2006–2011), and Rochester Police Chief (1998–2005). Throughout his career, Duffy has focused on strengthening New York’s economy, improving government efficiency, and fostering public-private partnerships.
A Rochester native, Duffy holds degrees from Monroe Community College, RIT, and the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. He serves on numerous boards, including the SUNY Board of Trustees, Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, and Business Council of New York State.
About Ruben Diaz Jr.
Ruben Diaz Jr. represented the Bronx for more than two decades, championing a “New Bronx” agenda centered on economic development, housing, education, and public safety. First elected to the New York State Assembly in 1997, he served seven terms before becoming Bronx Borough President in 2009. During his tenure, the Bronx saw over $18.9 billion in new development, including more than 45,000 new housing units and major infrastructure improvements.
A strong advocate for environmental justice and access to healthcare, Diaz has led efforts to address environmental racism and modernize local infrastructure. He is a graduate of Lehman College (CUNY) and a lifelong Bronx resident.
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