Rep. Jerry Nadler, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Join 100+ New Yorkers Demanding Action on NY HEAT Act

Advocates, top elected officials turn out in force to demand cleaner heat and lower bills.

New York, NY — Over 100 New Yorkers gathered on Earth Day to rally for the NY HEAT Act, a major climate and affordability bill that would cut emissions and saving low- and moderate-income New Yorkers an average of $136/month. Joined by a slate of top lawmakers — including U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, City Council members, and representatives from the Office of the Public Advocate — community members and environmental leaders urged Speaker Heastie and Governor Hochul to pass the bill in this year’s state budget.

Backed by dozens of environmental groups, the event underscored growing support for NY HEAT, which has been passed by the Senate in previous years and has 70 cosponsors in the Assembly.

NY HEAT would help move buildings — the state’s largest source of climate pollution — off fossil fuels, while protecting New Yorkers from skyrocketing utility costs. The bill would cap household energy bills at 6% of income and eliminate ratepayer-funded subsidies for new gas hookups, helping align state policy with its landmark climate law.

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“People across our state are facing a cost-of-living crisis, and over one million New Yorkers are behind on their electric and gas bills because of the failures of our current fossil-fuel-based energy system,” said NY Renews Executive Director Stephan Edel. “Low-income communities and communities of color are hit hardest by high bills and pollution in their homes and neighborhoods. The NY HEAT Act would immediately benefit households by capping energy bills and transitioning buildings away from polluting fossil fuels, improving the health and well-being of New Yorkers statewide.”

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