Albany, NY – Today, New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher announced the introduction of a new bill, the Pipeline Leaks and Safety Act (S9075/A10071). The bill will require utility companies to disclose where work is planned to repair antiquated, leak-prone pipes, which present serious health and safety risks to communities. 

The bill would support the mapping and decommissioning of leak-prone gas infrastructure by requiring each gas company to file a map with the Public Service Commission with the information related to planned or foreseeable distribution line replacement, repair, renewal, and retirement. These maps enable long-term planning for communities as they decarbonize in accordance with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Similar approaches are being implemented in Massachusetts and California.

This bill comes on the heels of news that the Governor is considering softening the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, passed in 2019 and setting bold goals for the decarbonization of New York State. We are not currently on track to meet these goals. 

Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “The era of mystery around fossil fuel pipelines ends here. New Yorkers deserve transparency about the infrastructure polluting their neighborhoods. By mapping decades-old gas mains and prioritizing areas for decarbonization, we can protect consumers, reduce pollution, and save money; all while aligning utility practices with New York’s CLCPA goals.”

Assemblymember Emily Gallagher said, “Antiquated, leak-prone gas infrastructure is harming New Yorkers. Endless repairs on this outdated infrastructure is the number one thing driving up the cost of utilities, and it also presents serious risks of poisoning communities. This approach is already being implemented in places like Massachusetts and California to get these costs under control, manage the health risks, and transition to more sustainable energy models. It’s time New York follows suit.”

“Replacing leak prone pipe is very expensive, and often not necessary, thanks to affordable non pipe alternatives like electrification and ground source heat pumps,” says Christine Hoffer, Executive Director, New York Geothermal Energy Organization. “This mapping legislation opens the door to transparency and better planning, enabling communities to consider high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, which can prepare homes, neighborhoods, and communities for a future with all-electric geothermal heating, cooling, and domestic hot water.”

Sane Energy Project Director, Kim Fraczek, said “New York law requires a transition away from fossil fuels, yet utilities’ leaking pipeline replacement programs continue as opaque, multi-billion-dollar spending vehicles with little proof of safety or reliability benefits. This locks New Yorkers into a costly, toxic gas system, drives up utility bills, and undermines our laws. Transparency would empower communities to challenge unnecessary gas spending and have a planning tool for cleaner, more affordable heating and cooling options.”

Audrey Schulman, Co-executive Director of HEET, said, "If gas companies are going to spend billions every year replacing pipes—money that customers will have to pay back over decades into the future—the companies should at least have to tell customers which pipes and why."