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KINGSTON, N.Y. – Dozens of Ulster County residents gathered Thursday at Energy Square, upstate New York’s first net-zero affordable housing development. Attendees urged lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul to pass the New York HEAT Act.
Environmental advocate and New Paltz mother Suzanne Biggan said if passed, the bill would help New Yorkers across the state, particularly those with low-to-moderate incomes.
“I got a bill last winter for $640 for a two-bedroom apartment,” Biggan said.
The HEAT Act is intended to make the state more energy efficient by eliminating the use of fossil fuels and replacing them with geothermal and solar-paneled energy sources. It’s been stuck in the state Legislature for years.
SUNY New Paltz student Brianna Rodriguez is a climate advocate. She said the HEAT Act provides hope for New Yorkers struggling to finance basic necessities.
“No one should be forced to pay 18% more during the winter months just to meet basic heating needs,” Rodriguez said. “Eighteen-percent is not just a number on the bill. It represents hours of work, sleepless nights and the fear of falling deeper into debt.”
If passed, the New York HEAT Act cites accessibility to non-discriminatory and affordable energy needed for heating, cooling and powering buildings that residents live and work in. The bill also demonstrates a legislative push for improved air quality and a decrease in rising fossil fuel prices.
Several New Yorkers told Spectrum News 1 they are hopeful Hochul will consider the bill in her executive budget for 2025.
