NY’s climate law will reduce high utility rates—if we let it | Opinion

2-minute read

For too long, the conversation around energy in New York has been dominated by a false choice: we can either have affordable utility bills or a livable climate, but not both. Critics of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or CLCPA, label it as an idealistic burden, but a look at the actual numbers tells a different story.  

The energy affordability crisis currently squeezing our families wasn’t created by climate goals, it was created by our continued dependence on the fossil fuel status quo. 

In 2025 alone, more than 1.3 million New York utility customers were over two months behind on their bills, a debt totaling nearly $1.8 billion. These families aren’t struggling because of future green energy targets; they are struggling because of the inherent volatility of oil and gas markets.  

Every time a global conflict, extreme weather event, or a supply chain disruption occurs, New Yorkers see the results on their monthly statements. True energy security comes from ending this exposure to global price spikes by investing in resources we control right here at home. 

In the face of this urgent need for electricity, the idea of nuclear power lowering electric bills on any kind of acceptable timeline is a fantasy.  The most recent nuclear project completed in the United States, the expansion of the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia, took approximately 15 years. The project, which added two units to an existing facility, faced significant delays and cost overruns, ultimately becoming one of the most expensive energy projects in history. 

We cannot retreat from expanding renewable energy in New York

The path to relief lies in doubling down on renewable expansion, not retreating from it. According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, renewables are now the cheapest new power source available.

In fact, a kilowatt-hour of solar energy is consistently less expensive than electricity derived from natural gas or nuclear power. Other parts of the world have recognized this and embraced renewables, with 95% of new generation built globally in 2025 being renewable energy.  

Our view: Climate-law fix will help New Yorkers with affordability | Editorial

If we streamline the permitting process and strengthen programs that support local solar installations, we can deliver real, predictable savings to families, businesses, and schools. 

Legislation like the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power Act is designed to do exactly this. An independent study from Synapse Energy Economics confirms that by raising New York’s distributed solar goals and reforming how we connect new projects to the grid, we can unlock an estimated $1 billion in annual savings for ratepayers across the state.  

That’s why we must reject the misinformation that seeks to blame climate laws for the failures of fossil fuels and instead embrace the low-cost, abundant energy future that solar provides. 

State Sen. Peter Harckham, a Democrat, represents the 40th State Senate District and chairs the state Senate’s Committee on Environmental Conservation.