Working families in our region understand what it means to depend on reliable heat and power. We are the people who get the calls when the systems fail. From that perspective, delaying the “All Electric Buildings Act” embraces a “do-no-harm approach” by protecting New Yorkers from a plan that moves faster than the energy grid can support. 

Right now, the state has removed more than 4,000 megawatts of power since the climate law passed, yet we have replaced only about half of it. That deficit puts real people at risk. When the grid operator warns of possible blackouts and families see energy bills rising, those concerns should not be brushed aside.

The New York State Pipe Trades believes in a clean energy future. We also believe it must be built on realistic timelines that keep homes warm, businesses running and skilled workers employed. Banning proven energy systems before new infrastructure is ready will create higher costs, energy shortages and avoidable hardship. 

The smarter path is to build the capacity we need first and give our workers the chance to construct the reliable, clean energy systems that every community deserves.

Thomas Gandolfini
Business manager, UA Local 373 Plumbers & Steamfitters
Mountainville, NY