Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack) was a “no” vote today on bill A.9511, which would prohibit the Department of Environmental Conservation from issuing new leases for the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas on state lands, warning the proposal goes against the governor’s claims of an “all-of-the-above” energy approach, further ignoring the state’s growing affordability crisis.

The bill would effectively phase out future natural gas extraction on certain state lands and prohibit renewal of existing leases once they expire. Simpson argued that the legislation reflects a misguided energy policy that restricts access to in-state resources while forcing New Yorkers to rely on imported energy.

“With families across our state facing record-high utility bills, it is astonishing that Albany continues pushing policies that make energy more expensive and less reliable,” said Simpson. “At the same time New York is moving to eliminate responsible natural gas extraction, we are covering hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland and green space with massive industrial-scale wind and solar projects. The hypocrisy is hard to ignore.”

Simpson pointed to warnings from energy analysts and research institutions that rapid electrification policies could strain the state’s power grid and increase costs for residents, particularly in upstate communities.

“In the middle of an affordability crisis, when our constituents are already struggling with skyrocketing utility costs, Albany is advancing legislation that shuts the door on energy resources we have right here in New York,” Simpson added. “Natural gas wells have a very small environmental footprint compared to the massive land use required for many green energy projects, yet those projects are increasingly being placed on farmland, forests and even on ecologically sensitive areas.”

“Instead of banning responsible energy development, we should be pursuing a balanced approach that protects our environment while ensuring reliable and affordable energy for the people of this state,” Simpson said.