SENATOR WALCZYK TAKES A STAND AGAINST FOOLHARDY ENERGY PLAN
October 7, 2025
Senator Mark Walczyk has dispatched a letter to the NYSERDA Board, vehemently condemning the Draft State Energy Plan currently under review. He stressed the urgent need for an energy strategy that prioritizes the interests of New Yorkers, particularly as the state seeks feedback on this critical proposal. Amid an energy affordability crisis, this plan fails to address the real concerns of residents and businesses. Senator Walczyk's message is clear: New Yorkers demand an energy strategy that is accessible, reliable, and cost-effective.
"Last year, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli stated that the state's energy plan was projected to cost New Yorkers a staggering $340 billion. I’d shudder to think what that price tag looks like now, especially with analysts estimating an additional $500 per month increase on the average household energy bill. Let me be very direct: New Yorkers cannot afford what you’re proposing," stated Senator Walczyk.
The proposed plan, which picks winners and losers while driving up costs, threatens to stagnate economic growth, forcing families to seek opportunities in more affordable states. With electric bills skyrocketing—up 43% in recent years—Senator Walczyk highlights that this plan could add substantial financial burdens to households. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) has created disincentives for vital energy sources like nuclear and natural gas, leading to a dire lack of energy supply. Since 2019, New York has taken more power offline than we’ve added, and the demand for energy continues to rise. This reckless approach leaves New Yorkers vulnerable to future blackouts and exacerbates our housing crisis, forcing young people to abandon their dreams of homeownership.
Senator Walczyk insists that the wrong path will lead to dire consequences for the people of New York. Rather than enforcing an all-electric mandate, we must expand our energy portfolio to include natural gas, nuclear power, and improved infrastructure. “If we don’t adapt our energy plan to reflect the needs of our communities, we risk devastating consequences,” Walczyk emphasizes.
“Make no mistake: this Draft State Energy Plan is nothing short of a dangerous disaster. If we continue down this path of misguided policies, we will suffocate our economy, kill job growth, and force our families to leave in search of a better life. New Yorkers deserve an energy strategy that empowers them, not one that prices them out of their homes. If NYSERDA truly wants to fulfill its mission, they must focus on developing energy production as intended, which will drive down electricity costs and foster meaningful electrification at the user level. However, if NYSERDA persists on this failed path, New Yorkers will suffer, NYSERDA's vision will remain unfulfilled, their mission will be a failure, and their promise to us will amount to nothing more than empty words.”
For further information, please reach out to Senator Walczyk's office.
"Last year, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli stated that the state's energy plan was projected to cost New Yorkers a staggering $340 billion. I’d shudder to think what that price tag looks like now, especially with analysts estimating an additional $500 per month increase on the average household energy bill. Let me be very direct: New Yorkers cannot afford what you’re proposing," stated Senator Walczyk.
The proposed plan, which picks winners and losers while driving up costs, threatens to stagnate economic growth, forcing families to seek opportunities in more affordable states. With electric bills skyrocketing—up 43% in recent years—Senator Walczyk highlights that this plan could add substantial financial burdens to households. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) has created disincentives for vital energy sources like nuclear and natural gas, leading to a dire lack of energy supply. Since 2019, New York has taken more power offline than we’ve added, and the demand for energy continues to rise. This reckless approach leaves New Yorkers vulnerable to future blackouts and exacerbates our housing crisis, forcing young people to abandon their dreams of homeownership.
Senator Walczyk insists that the wrong path will lead to dire consequences for the people of New York. Rather than enforcing an all-electric mandate, we must expand our energy portfolio to include natural gas, nuclear power, and improved infrastructure. “If we don’t adapt our energy plan to reflect the needs of our communities, we risk devastating consequences,” Walczyk emphasizes.
“Make no mistake: this Draft State Energy Plan is nothing short of a dangerous disaster. If we continue down this path of misguided policies, we will suffocate our economy, kill job growth, and force our families to leave in search of a better life. New Yorkers deserve an energy strategy that empowers them, not one that prices them out of their homes. If NYSERDA truly wants to fulfill its mission, they must focus on developing energy production as intended, which will drive down electricity costs and foster meaningful electrification at the user level. However, if NYSERDA persists on this failed path, New Yorkers will suffer, NYSERDA's vision will remain unfulfilled, their mission will be a failure, and their promise to us will amount to nothing more than empty words.”
For further information, please reach out to Senator Walczyk's office.