Dear President Harris:

I stand with Pipeliners Local 798 in providing this comment on proposed updates to the 2025 New York State draft Energy Plan. I am encouraged to see that the plan in its revised state prioritizes a balanced energy system, supporting economic growth and a positive long-term job outlook for skilled industry craftsmen.

I am also pleased to see that the State Energy Plan not only focuses on supporting clean energy – it puts emphasis on creating good-paying construction jobs and strengthening New York’s economy. Below are more outlined reasons why I support the approval of the draft Plan.

Jobs Creation:

The updated plan projects more than 60,000 new jobs being created over the next 15 years, with the construction industry projecting a 60% growth during this time, opening doors for securing jobs for the local union workforce. This ensures safety, quality and fair wages and is an immeasurably significant benefit to craftsmen in New York State and the surrounding region. Many of these craftsmen are dedicated members of Local 798, a proud trades union representing the nation’s most highly-trained and skilled industry workers.

I support embedding strong labor standards and project labor agreements within the plan, so, when applicable, these jobs remain local, union, and high-quality. A clean-energy future must be built by skilled, well-trained workers, and that means union labor. And industry craftsmen will not be the only ones to benefit from this – investments in infrastructure projects will ripple throughout impacted communities, supporting small businesses and public services.

Provides New Yorkers with Affordable, Reliable Energy:

Families and small businesses across the state are facing growing affordability pressures. Energy is a daily need, and the draft State Energy Plan’s support of energy infrastructure investments will help provide much-needed relief. The draft Plan demonstrates that choices like utilizing public transport and using efficient appliances can cut overall household energy costs. Thank you for making it clear that reducing investments in energy infrastructure like natural gas, as some policy makers have suggested, would only make matters worse for the state.

Maintains Grid Reliability:

Recent history tells us that a balanced energy policy is not just recommended; it is essential for maintaining grid stability, particularly during the high-demand winter months when a cold snap could be the matter of life or death if New Yorkers do not have access to a resilient energy source like natural gas. This is one of the many reasons most New York residents support an energy system that includes both renewables and natural gas. Grid capacity issues already play a factor in preventing new housing developments, and we are only going to see our energy needs grow. This issue plays a role in Governor Hochul’s administration's recent signaling for more openness to a continued role for natural gas in the state’s energy mix.

The 2025 State draft Energy Plan outlines clear solutions that address the concerns most important to New York residents and workers. This includes support for a responsible energy policy that protects access to reliable and affordable energy while generating critical economic activity and good jobs for American craftsmen for years to come. Thank you for considering this comment as you shape the future of this great state.

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