Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C–Walden) today issued the following statement after signing onto a bipartisan letter urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to veto A.8888/S.8417, legislation that would eliminate New York’s long-standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas service:

Under the 100-foot rule, utilities—not families—pay for new gas service lines within 100 feet of an existing main. Repealing this protection would dump thousands in new fees onto homeowners, renters and developers, driving utility bills and housing costs even higher.

“New Yorkers are already facing some of the highest energy costs in the nation, and eliminating the 100-foot rule would only make that crisis worse. This proposal would shift thousands of dollars in new hookup costs onto families, renters and builders at a time when we should be doing everything possible to reduce the financial burden on working people. The letter we submitted makes it clear: Removing this affordability protection would raise housing costs, strain our already overburdened electric grid and limit energy choices for communities across the state.

“I signed this letter because the facts are undeniable—ending the 100-foot rule will drive up costs, worsen our housing shortage and put additional pressure on families who are already struggling to keep up with rising utility bills. The governor must veto this bill and work with us toward a realistic, affordable, all-of-the-above energy strategy that protects reliability and supports every region of New York. I will continue to stand with my colleagues to oppose policies that raise costs and reduce access to essential energy services.”