Former Lt. Governor Robert Duffy and Former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. React to New PPI Report, “New York’s Climate Crossroads: Assuring Affordable Energy”

In reaction to a report released today by the Progressive Policy Institute, former Lt. Governor Bob Duffy, who heads the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said:

“This report needs to be a five-alarm wake up call for our leaders in Albany. As power demand increases, our already sky-high utility rates are going to surge higher and higher. Our upstate economy cannot compete with other states if we don’t have the power for new business, and our local families and non-profits will not be able to keep up with the ever-increasing prices. Governor Hochul has smartly embraced the ‘all of the above’ approach using natural gas, nuclear and renewables but she needs her partners in the Legislature to recognize the storm clouds ahead and take sensible steps to protect New York families.”

Former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said:

“When we talk about the importance of making New York affordable for working families, we cannot ignore the high-cost families are paying to keep the lights on, to cook their food and to heat their homes.  Groceries are too expensive, and the cost of housing is growing out of control but so is the cost of utilities. Families are getting squeezed every which way. Governor Hochul is leading the charge to address this issue with her ‘all of the above’ approach but it cannot be a one-person parade.  We all need to join this fight to truly address the affordability crisis in New York.”