(Albany, NY, Thursday, March 24, 2022) – Amidst the greatest energy crisis in the last decade and with gas prices climbing in the United States due to the crisis in Ukraine, it’s clearer than ever that New York needs to move away from fossil fuels and the price volatility that comes with them.

Environmental advocates are calling for electrification legislation in the State budget. Electrifying buildings will be a key step toward that goal, as well as meeting the state’s bold climate ambitions. “All-Electric Building Act” is moving forward in the Senate Housing Committee which is key to the transition away from fossil fuels in buildings.

New York is ready to emerge as a leader in building decarbonization and moving away from fossil fuels in 2022. The state has already introduced and passed various laws that will help make the state one of the leaders for clean energy.

New York emits more building pollution than any other state. Vulnerable communities and residents of low-income housing are more likely to be exposed to higher emissions and health-damaging pollution.

Building electrification is the solution to the energy issues that the state is currently facing. Electrification eliminates the toxic gases at the source of the problem while making heat and cooking affordable and accessible.

In 2021, New York introduced the All-Electric Building Act, which aims to cut carbon emissions by millions across the state and require new buildings to have electric appliances for space and water heating and cooking in 2023. The state’s new electrification law will save 2.1 million tons of carbon emissions by 2022.

The state’s legislative also has other bills in consideration that would support these electrification efforts such as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, the Fossil-Free Heating Tax Credit, and the  Gas Transition and Affordable Energy Act.

Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE) works for safe, affordable energy and the development of a green economy in New York State. Our goal is a prosperous, safe, and healthy New York, fulfilling the promise of conservation, energy efficiency, and safe, clean renewable energy sources to end our state’s reliance on wasteful and environmentally destructive forms of energy. The Alliance works to promote this transition to a carbon-free and nuclear-free future and educates the public about alternatives that can revitalize the economy and safeguard human health and the environment.