In light of Governor Kathy Hochul Administration’s agreement to delay implementation of the All-Electric Buildings Act and to protect all New Yorkers from skyrocketing energy bills, the New York State Senate Republican Conference is demanding that Governor Kathy Hochul convene a special legislative session before the end of the year to repeal the all-electric building mandate set to take effect January 1st.

This ideological and unfunded mandate, which has repeatedly been proven to be unreachable, will increase costs for families and businesses and cost many hardworking men and women of labor their careers if allowed to be hastily put into effect.

In a sign-on letter delivered to the Governor today, the Conference warned that the mandate, which is a component of the ill-conceived Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), will worsen New York’s housing, energy, and affordability crises while placing additional strain on an already unstable electric grid.

Lawmakers noted that passage of S.1167, which is sponsored by the Ranking Republican on the Senate Energy Committee Mario R. Mattera (2nd Senate District), at a special session is the best path forward to protect state residents. The legislation is sponsored in the New York State Assembly by Assemblyman Michael Durso (A.6252).

They jointly cautioned that proposals from some Assembly Democrats to “pause” the mandate appear to be political maneuvers designed to delay consequences until after the 2026 elections, similar to prior election-year delays on congestion pricing.

“Since 2019, we have been warning the administration that the State’s reckless push toward an all-electric future would drive up energy bills and jeopardize grid reliability,” the letter states. “NYISO’s latest report confirms those fears.”

“Governor Hochul’s socialist energy policy has increased costs, strained the grid and removed consumer choice. We must repeal the unrealistic and unaffordable mandates of the Democrats Green New Scam. Our Conference supports a diverse energy portfolio that ensures affordable options for all New Yorkers,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

“New Yorkers are already being crushed by the cost of living, and this all-electric mandate is nothing more than another burden created by Albany Democrats that our families simply cannot afford.  Our grid is not ready, our communities are not prepared, and our residents cannot shoulder another reckless policy pushed through without real-world consideration.  Governor Hochul must move farther than the pause to protect New Yorkers by fully repealing this mandate.  Short of that, this could seemingly be undone like the bait-and-switch she foisted on the residents with congestion pricing and that is unacceptable.  Our Conference will not stand by if she tries to spring this on New York businesses, families and workers after the 2026 elections and she must show she is serious about protecting New Yorkers by calling an immediate special legislative session,” stated Senator Mattera, Ranking Member of the Energy & Telecommunications Committee.

“Only delaying this mandate's implementation fails to remove the uncertainty for builders, consumers, ratepayers, and everyone else who would be hard hit when the mandate ultimately moves forward. It’s time for more decisive action. It's time to repeal it outright. It’s time to fully recognize that mandates like the All-Electric Buildings Act say no to consumer choice, ignore affordability, impose additional and unreasonable burdens, and drive up costs. Mandates like this only serve to make New York State a more expensive place to live and do business. It’s an ongoing move in the wrong direction where this state is imposing far-reaching requirements that are not feasible, affordable, or reliable," said Senator Tom O’Mara, Member of the Energy Committee.

“The all-electric mandates of the CLCPA are unrealistic and dangerous, placing New York families at risk.  New Yorkers don't need a political delay, we need a clear decision to repeal this law. When the grid is unable to provide the electricity necessary to heat all the homes in our communities, the lives of those most vulnerable, the sick and elderly, will be put directly at risk. Our residents deserve the confidence of knowing that they will be able to heat their homes and keep their families safe this winter.  The all-electric mandates of the CLCPA are dangerous and financially crushing for families already struggling with affordability. It's time to put safety and common sense over unrealistic virtue signaling and fully repeal these dangerous mandates outright,” said Senator Jack M. Martins, Ranking Member of Housing, Construction and Community Development.

“I’m already seeing the impact of the All-Electric Buildings Act and the All-Electric School Bus mandate on our communities. Limited energy resources have slowed new housing construction, keeping housing prices high and putting more financial pressure on families and seniors. Local officials are frustrated with state policies that limit municipal home rule and community decision-making. Others are concerned about the loss of prime farmland to large-scale solar projects. And many New Yorkers have made it clear that they do not want to be told how to heat their homes or cook their meals. With all of these challenges, the recent court ruling should serve as a clear signal that the Governor and Legislature must act. New York needs a balanced plan to strengthen the grid, lower costs, and secure a reliable and affordable energy future for every family and business that calls our state home,” said Senator Pam Helming, Member of Housing, Construction and Community Development.

According to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), the grid is already under significant stress, and large-scale electrification without new generating capacity threatens system stability. Homebuilders across the state also project the mandate will add approximately $20,000 to the cost of constructing a new home—on top of New York’s already high building expenses.

Construction costs in New York range from $200 to $350 per square foot, far above the national average of $162, with New York City approaching $500 per square foot. Residential electricity rates in New York are already 51% higher than the national average, and lawmakers warned that mandating all-electric homes will push those rates even higher.

“The all-electric building mandate will only worsen New York’s housing, energy, and affordability crises,” the Conference wrote. “For these reasons, we strongly urge you to call a special session before the end of the year to repeal this disastrous policy and protect New Yorkers from further economic and energy hardship.”