ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Both the Senate and Assembly passed their budgets, which include proposals to transition away from natural gas. Each has a different path.
Governor Kathy Hochul supports the Affordable Gas Transition Act and getting rid of the “100-foot rule," which requires those living 100 feet of a gas line to have natural gas hook ups.
The Assembly didn’t include this in it's budget, but is looking into it.
The Senate supports the NY HEAT Act, which includes eliminating the 100-foot rule, but also makes sure utility companies don’t continue to raise their rates.
"We have a piece of the act that says that your rates cannot be more than 6% of your income before kicking in some affordability assistance to you, so that you’re not literally making a decision between paying your utility bill, feeding your family, or paying your rent," said Senator Liz Kreuger.
On Wednesday at the New York State Capitol, environmental advocates called on the governor and the Assembly to pass the New York HEAT Act. However, not everyone is on board with it.
"The NY HEAT Act, from a legislative perspective is in my opinion, a dangerous piece of legislation which is designed to dismantle the natural gas infrastructure supply and delivery system—- the affordable and reliable natural gas infrastructure system," said Republican Assemblymember, Phil Palmesano.
The governor wants a finalized state budget by the end of the month.
