NEW HARTFORD Assemblyman Brian Miller, R-122, New Hartford, has launched a petition to tell Gov. Kathy Hochul that New York residents should have a choice in what type of energy they consume, how they heat their homes and businesses and how they cook their meals.

“I am launching this petition because New Yorkers want a choice when it comes to the type of energy they use and how they cook their meals and heat their homes and businesses,” said Miller, who is a member of the Committee on Consumer Affairs. “Natural gas remains one of the most affordable fuels for homes and businesses; to remove it from our energy portfolio places a great burden on middle- and low-income families. Hochul’s push to eliminate natural gas appliances is insensitive to the struggles of working New Yorkers.”

Miller opposes Hochul’s proposal to ban gas stoves and other natural gas-powered appliances by 2030 as part of the governor’s effort to combat climate change. In addition to the gas stoves, Miller said, Hochul is seeking to require all new construction to be zero-emission by 2025 for small buildings and by 2028 for larger structures.

Miller said that a large percentage of upstate homes rely on natural gas for heating, and the cost of converting the whole system to electric-only would be devastating for many upstate residents.

The petition is available at: https://tinyurl.com/energychoice4NY.