Statement from Sen. Fazio on New York Governor Boosting Natural Gas Supply and Pipeline Capacity

HARTFORD, CT – In response to New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration boosting natural gas supply and pipeline capacity, State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich), ranking member on the Energy and Technology Committee, has issued the following statement.

“New York likes natural gas pipelines now. Good! After years of senior Connecticut officials insisting that New York would not allow any expanded natural gas pipeline capacity, it appears otherwise.

This is an enormous opportunity to provide more affordable and reliable energy for Connecticut residents while reducing air pollution compared to oil emissions. More natural gas would also reduce the state’s reliance on oil, lowering emissions.

I have urged the administration and state to show leadership and do what it can to expand pipeline capacity from New York to Connecticut to meet our state’s long-term energy needs. My six-point energy bill, S.B. 647, co-sponsored by Republican legislative colleagues, calls for compelling the state to identify affirmative steps to accomplishing that. Now that New York has taken the initiative, there is no reason not to engage.

ISO-New England has said that Connecticut will have major electricity shortages at the end of the next decade. A recent study found that Connecticut residents have the second-highest electricity bills in the country! Natural gas is the lowest-cost major source of electricity generation and has helped us reduce reliance on dirtier sources, like coal and oil, in the last two decades.

Expanding natural gas capacity through New York State is not only clearly possible, but necessary to keep the lights on and reduce costs for Connecticut families for years to come. Let’s act.”