Dear Brothers and Sisters,
New York’s 2019 Climate Act established the most aggressive decarbonization policy in the nation. The recent Draft Scoping Plan released by the state’s Climate Action Council is a “blueprint” for achieving the law’s emissions targets. It recommends a complete overhaul of New York’s energy industry, including bans on natural gas service and appliances for home and water heating, cooking, and laundry – beginning as soon as 2024. This plan proposes converting nearly everything to electric power, relying on new wind and solar energy to replace natural gas – despite forecasts which show the resulting electric demand could far outstrip supply, likely leading to higher prices and weakened reliability.
Surprisingly, few New Yorkers know about this and how it will negatively affect their daily lives. In 2024, the appliance ban would begin for new construction, the first of many sweeping changes in the ways we live, work, and do business. Eight in-person hearings and two virtual hearings have been scheduled across the State to give residents an opportunity to react to the plan. Energy consumers, organizations, corporations, and government agencies are encouraged to attend the public hearings and to submit oral or written comments.
As an employee of National Fuel and a member of the IBEW Local Union 2199 we are sharing this information with you should you have interest in voluntarily participating in or attending a hearing. If you would like to speak at the meeting, please contact your department manager as the Company will allow an early departure from work to accommodate your attendance. Of course, as a New York resident, you are free to participate in the public hearing process in any way that you wish, or not at all.
LOCATION: Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 3:30 PM at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Mason O. Damon Auditorium
Pre-registration is encouraged for the in-person hearings. Priority in seating and speaking will be given to those who pre-register. Individuals can pre-register here.
Equal weight will be given to oral and written statements. Written comments can be submitted through June 10, 2022, via the online public comment form, via email to scopingplan@nyserda.ny.gov , or via U.S. Mail to Attention: Draft Scoping Plan Comments, NYSERDA, 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399.
I am asking all LU 2199 members who will be attending the public hearing to wear a black shirt to show Union solidarity and you are also welcomed to bring signage with you. An example of a phrase that was recently used is “Better Plan NO Ban”
For more information about the New York State Climate Action Council, visit here.
In Solidarity,
Colleen Ballacchino
Business Manager/President
IBEW Local 2199
716-220-1923