Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack) today called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to veto the “NY HEAT Act,” which would repeal the longstanding “100-foot rule.” This rule mandates that utilities provide free gas pipeline connections to customers within 100 feet of an existing gas main, preventing thousands of dollars in hookup costs from burdening New York families.

Simpson, along with his fellow Assembly Minority Members, has signed a letter emphasizing the rule’s importance for affordability and reliability.

“We are urging the governor to veto this misguided bill,” said Simpson. “Repealing the 100-foot rule would impose thousands in new costs on households amid our affordability crisis, housing shortage and soaring energy bills. With electric rates already 50% above the national average and our grid facing capacity strains from rapid electrification, this policy contradicts the governor’s ‘all-of-the-above’ commitment to reliable, affordable energy. We must prioritize New Yorkers’ needs over burdensome mandates.”