Wednesday, May 1, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
BY JIMMY LAWTON North Country This Week CANTON -- St. Lawrence County’s Board of Legislators is opposing action by the state to ban the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels in new homes …
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BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week
CANTON -- St. Lawrence County’s Board of Legislators is opposing action by the state to ban the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels in new homes by 2026.
“It’s another example of Albany telling us what we can’t do,” said Harry Smithers, R-Gouverneur.
Smither’s said St. Lawrence County has a good supply of natural gas and said that while he believes the state's goal is laudable, he believes they should focus on making electricity affordable, rather than mandating its use.
Legislator James Reagen, R-Ogdensburg, pointed to the harsh North Country winters. He said that during the ice storm, many St. Lawrence County residents went without power for weeks. He said other forms of heating, such as natural gas, provide more of a safety net during such times.
Legislator Ben Hull, R-Madrid, said he did not believe the technology is at a level where it can support a conversion to electricity.
“Natural gas is widely used in the United States, and according to 2020 data from the U.S. Department of Energy, sixty-one percent (61%) of American households used natural gas for either space heating, water heating or cooking in 2020, and that number is higher in the Northeast where sixty-seven percent (67%) of homes use gas, including fifty-two percent (52%) in New York State,” the resolution said. “According to the American Gas Association, the direct use of natural gas is ninety-two percent (92%) efficient from production to customers which underscores how important it is to look at how energy is produced and delivered when looking to define energy efficiency.”
Legislators said that natural gas plays a critical role in ensuring Americans have access to affordable and reliable energy, and consumers should have the choice to use this abundant fuel source for their appliances.
Not all legislators supported the measure, Margaret Haggard, D-Potsdam, said she believed the resolution did not include enough information about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s actual energy plan.
The measure passed in a 14-1 vote.
