New York Senators Seek Veto of Natural Gas Measure

New York Senate Republicans are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to veto S.8417/A.8888, legislation that would eliminate the state’s long-standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas hookups to new buildings, including residential homes. In a formal letter sent to the Governor on December 12, 2025, members of the Senate Republican Conference argue that repealing the rule would significantly increase housing costs, reduce energy choice, and raise concerns about reliability during winter months.

The letter frames the issue as one of affordability, infrastructure readiness, and access to dependable energy, particularly for homeowners and builders already navigating rising construction costs.

What the 100-Foot Rule Does

The “100-foot rule” requires utility companies to cover the cost of extending natural gas service lines up to 100 feet to new residential and business developments. Under current policy, homeowners are not required to pay for that portion of the infrastructure connection.

According to the Senate Republicans’ letter, eliminating the rule would shift the full material and installation costs of connecting to natural gas service onto individual homeowners. Those costs, the letter states, can reach as much as $14,000 per home.

The lawmakers argue that this change would come at a particularly difficult time, as developers and homeowners are already facing increased expenses tied to building and energy compliance requirements.

Housing Costs and Affordability Concerns

In their message to the Governor, Senate Republicans point to multiple layers of cost pressure affecting new home construction in New York. The letter notes that compliance with the 2025 Energy Code is estimated to add $7,400 to the price of an average home. It also references the pending All-Electric Building Act, which is currently subject to court proceedings and is projected to add an additional $20,000 per home.

Against that backdrop, the lawmakers argue that repealing the 100-foot rule would further strain affordability at a time when many New Yorkers are already struggling with housing costs.

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt stated that repealing the rule runs counter to ongoing discussions about expanding affordable housing across the state. He urged the Governor to veto the bill as a way to demonstrate a commitment to affordability.

Natural Gas as an Energy Option

The letter emphasizes that natural gas currently powers approximately 4.5 million homes across New York and is described by Senate Republicans as both affordable and dependable. It states that in the northern United States, natural gas is generally 40 to 60 percent cheaper than electricity for home heating.

Lawmakers argue that maintaining access to natural gas is especially important for upstate and rural communities, where alternatives may be more costly or less reliable. They contend that repealing the 100-foot rule would limit access to what they describe as the most reliable heating source available while increasing costs for future homeowners.

Reliability and Winter Weather Concerns

Several senators raised concerns about energy reliability during severe weather and peak demand periods. The letter notes that New York experiences harsh winters and that electric systems can be particularly vulnerable to outages during storms.

Senator Jack M. Martins described access to natural gas as a safety issue, emphasizing its role during power outages when electric systems fail. Other members echoed concerns that restricting access to natural gas could increase risks for families during winter months.

Grid Readiness and Electrification

The Senate Republicans’ letter also references recent warnings from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which has identified emerging reliability challenges as the state works toward a zero-emissions electric grid by 2040.

According to the lawmakers, eliminating the 100-foot rule would accelerate electrification at a time when the electric grid is not prepared to meet increased demand. They argue this could lead to higher electric rates and additional strain on an already vulnerable system.

Senator Mario Mattera, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, stated that the issue is not opposition to climate progress, but concern over what he described as an ideological approach that lacks a comprehensive and realistic energy plan.

A Call for a Gubernatorial Veto

The letter concludes with a unified request from the Senate Republican Conference for Governor Hochul to veto S.8417/A.8888. Signatories argue that the legislation would make homeownership more expensive, limit energy choice, and introduce risks related to reliability and infrastructure readiness.

The senators state that preserving the 100-foot rule is consistent with goals of affordability, reliability, and measured energy planning, and they urge the Governor to consider those factors before taking action on the bill.