Environmental Reforms will help address skyrocketing electric bills, keep NYS on path to greener future

New York, New York (May 28, 2026) – Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future hailed the passage of significant reforms to New York’s climate laws that will help control skyrocketing utility costs while keeping the state on the path to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Co-Chairs Robert Duffy and Ruben Diaz Jr. praised Governor Hochul for her committed leadership on the issue, while lauding the State Legislature for taking a thoughtful approach to the issue.

In addition, civic and community leaders from around the State who have called for reforms to address the affordability issues around electric bills joined in supporting the now-adopted reforms.

Former LG Robert Duffy said, “Governor Hochul fought long and hard to make the case that her ‘all of the above’ to energy was pure common sense and she delivered. These changes will keep New York at the forefront of environmental leadership while balancing the need to get skyrocketing electric bills under control. The Legislature heard that call and together with the Governor has made smart changes that working families desperately needed.”

Former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, “Governor Hochul and our leaders in the State legislature have heard the call of working families struggling to pay their electric bills and made sensible changes to our climate laws without taking us off course for a cleaner and greener future. Together, the Governor and our legislative

leaders demonstrated that economic justice and environmental justice can go hand in hand.”

Thomas J. Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, said, “Skyrocketing electric bills haven’t just strained working families—they’ve placed a real burden on small businesses already grappling with rising costs. Governor Hochul and the Legislature listened to those concerns and delivered practical changes that will help rein in energy costs while keeping New York moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. For small business owners in Queens and across our state, affordability and sustainability must go hand in hand.”

Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner, Memorial Baptist Church, Harlem, NY “Governor Hochul and our legislative leaders listened to the concerns of everyday New Yorkers who are already struggling to make ends meet. These commonsense changes protect working families from overwhelming utility costs while still moving our state toward a cleaner future. I applaud their leadership for finding balance and putting people first.”

Rev. Dr. Adolphus Lacey, Bethany Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY “At a time when so many families are burdened by rising costs, Governor Hochul and the Legislature answered the call for fairness and relief. These adjustments will help ease the pressure on household utility bills without abandoning our commitment to environmental progress. Our communities needed action, and state leaders delivered meaningful results.”

Rev. Dr. Erwin Trollinger, Calvary Baptist Church, White Plains, NY “We can pursue sustainability and still be mindful of the financial realities facing working families across New York. Governor Hochul and the Legislature demonstrated thoughtful leadership by advancing solutions that bring relief to utility payers while continuing the work toward a cleaner energy future. This is a responsible step in the right direction.”

Rev. Dorian Malloy, Carolina Baptist Church, Bronx, NY “Too many families have been forced to choose between keeping the lights on and meeting other essential needs. I commend Governor Hochul and the Legislature for hearing the voices of the people and responding with practical solutions that will help lower costs and provide relief. This action shows a real commitment to protecting New Yorkers.”

Rev. Dr. Demetrius Carolina, First Central Baptist Church, Staten Island, NY  “New Yorkers deserve an energy future that is both sustainable and affordable. Governor Hochul and the Legislature took an important step by making sensible changes that address rising utility costs while continuing to invest in cleaner energy solutions. Families across our state will benefit from this balanced and compassionate approach.”

Rev. Mark Blue, Second Baptist Church, Buffalo, NY  “Families across New York have been feeling the strain of rising utility costs, and Governor Hochul and the Legislature responded with thoughtful and necessary action. These changes will help provide much-needed relief while keeping our state focused on building a cleaner and more sustainable future. I am encouraged to see leadership that understands the importance of balancing progress with affordability.”

Bishop Darius G. Pridgen, True Bethel Baptist Church, Buffalo, NY “Working families should not have to bear overwhelming utility costs in order for our state to move toward a greener future. Governor Hochul and the Legislature heard the concerns of communities across New York and delivered sensible solutions that will help ease the burden on everyday New Yorkers. This is the kind of leadership our communities need during these challenging times.”

Rev. Mark Blue, Second Baptist Church, Buffalo, NY “Families across New York have been feeling the strain of rising utility costs, and Governor Hochul and the Legislature responded with thoughtful and necessary action. These changes will help provide much-needed relief while keeping our state focused on building a cleaner and more sustainable future. I am encouraged to see leadership that understands the importance of balancing progress with affordability.”

Bishop Darius G. Pridgen, True Bethel Baptist Church, Buffalo, NY “Working families should not have to bear overwhelming utility costs in order for our state to move toward a greener future. Governor Hochul and the Legislature heard the concerns of communities across New York and delivered sensible solutions that will help ease the burden on everyday New Yorkers. This