FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2024
Contact: Jama Joseph, (646) 951-1648, jama.joseph@weact.org
NEW YORK – On December 12, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, in partnership with Con Edison and the Public Utility Law Project of New York (PULP), hosted a community workshop to help Northern Manhattan residents struggling with rising energy bills. Held at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Community Center, the workshop offered guidance to eligible households on applying for energy affordability programs and provided a platform to advocate for the inclusion of the NY Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (NY HEAT Act) in Governor Hochul’s executive budget. The event, co-sponsored by State Senators Cordell Cleare (D-30), Robert Jackson (D-31), and José M. Serrano (D-29) along with Assemblymembers Manny De Los Santos (D-72), Yudelka Tapia (D-86), and Al Taylor (D-71), underscored the urgent need to address New York’s affordability and climate crises.
QUOTES FROM LEADERS
“New Yorkers are being crushed by rising energy costs, and it’s time for bold action. The NY HEAT Act will deliver real relief—cutting bills, curbing energy burdens, and putting more money back in the pockets of working families. This is a chance to lead with strength, lower costs, and move toward a cleaner, more affordable future. We can’t wait another year—New Yorkers deserve better, and we’re fighting to deliver it now.” – Senator Robert Jackson (D-31)
“With energy costs rising and the climate crisis disproportionately affecting communities of color, I am proud to support the NY HEAT Act, an important piece of legislation that addresses both challenges. While we continue to fight for a sustainable future, there are immediate options to cover the costs of energy bills. Thank you to WE ACT for sponsoring this Energy Affordability Workshop, one of many efforts to advance environmental justice in our community.” – Senator José M. Serrano (D-29)
“New Yorkers are facing a crisis of affordability, with energy bills leaving too many families behind. The NY HEAT Act is a chance to provide real relief by capping energy costs at 6% of household income, saving families hundreds every month while accelerating our state’s climate goals. This bill is a win for working families and a cleaner, healthier future for all New Yorkers.” – Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia (D-86)
“People in Uptown have been struggling to pay for everyday expenses, not least of which are energy bills. Constituents constantly come to my office for assistance to pay their utilities, and some were present at today’s workshop. WE ACT, Con Edison, and PULP have been tremendous partners, offering support to help people navigate through assistance programs. And as we continue to see New Yorkers struggle with affordability while experiencing the damaging effects of climate change, it emphasizes the urgent need to pass the NY HEAT Act to move away from natural gas and make energy costs more affordable to those struggling the most to pay for it.” – Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos (D-72)
“New Yorkers deserve bold action to reduce rising energy costs and secure a cleaner, more sustainable future. NY HEAT isn’t just another piece of legislation—it’s a transformative step that will drive down household expenses, expand access to clean energy, and deliver real relief for hardworking families. Let’s seize this opportunity to empower our communities and protect our climate, together.” – Assemblymember Al Taylor (D-71)
“Too many low-income families in New York are overwhelmed by energy costs, with some paying over 17% of their income on bills. The NY HEAT Act will lower these burdens, protect frontline communities from fossil fuel pollution, and advance clean, affordable energy solutions. We look forward to working with the Governor, state electeds, and community leaders to pass the NY HEAT Act in the upcoming session and deliver relief to those who need it most.” – Annie Carforo, WE ACT’s Climate Justice Campaigns Manager
Background on the NY HEAT Act
The NY HEAT Act will stop the expansion of New York’s outdated and dangerous fracked gas system and modernize state laws to deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy. The bill:
- Caps household energy costs at 6% of income, delivering immediate relief to the 25% of New Yorkers currently energy-burdened.
- Ends mandates that force New Yorkers to subsidize fracked gas infrastructure, saving ratepayers hundreds of millions annually.
- Invests in clean energy technologies like heat pumps and thermal energy networks to create jobs, reduce emissions, and protect public health.
The NY HEAT Act has broad public support across party lines, demographics, and regions of the state. Its passage would not only address the affordability crisis but also accelerate New York’s progress toward its climate goals, ensuring a cleaner and more equitable energy future.
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WE ACT for Environmental Justice is a Northern Manhattan membership-based organization whose mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low-income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. WE ACT has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. Visit us at weact.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram.