Congressman Nick Langworthy Introduces the Energy Choice Act to End Blue-State Wars on American Energy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today,Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced the Energy Choice Act to prohibit states or local governments from banning an energy service's connection, reconnection, modification, installation, or expansion based on the type or source of energy to be delivered.
“Governor Kathy Hochul and Democrats in Albany are hurting Upstate New Yorkers with their relentless war on American energy,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Her effort to ban the use of gas in buildings across the state will not only increase energy costs for families, but it will also eliminate a reliable and necessary source of energy that keeps homes heated and people safe during our extreme winter storms. As this is becoming a dangerous trend in blue states across the country, the Energy Choice Act would end these costly bans and secure our nation’s energy future.”
The full text of the bill can be found here. Original cosponsors of this legislation include Reps. Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Tom McClintock (CA-5), Jim Moylan (GU-AL), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), David Valadao (CA-22), and Clay Higgins (LA-03).
“Since President Biden took office, his Administration has crippled our energy independence by promoting harmful bans on various types of energy, raising energy costs for Americans across the country,” said Congressman Dan Newhouse. “An all-of-the-above approach to energy development is what will enhance U.S. energy security. We should not be in the business of picking energy winners and losers. This is why I am a proud primary cosponsor of the Energy Choice Act, which would prohibit states and local governments from prohibiting the connection of an energy service based on the source of energy.”
“To achieve energy independence we need energy diversification, but not to the exclusion of traditional energy sources,” Congresswoman Malliotakis said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to prevent states like New York from banning specific types of energy to increase reliability, protect our constituents during the cold winter months and ensure Americans have access to affordable energy options.”
“California has been ground zero for misguided mandates that penalize traditional energy sources – driving up costs for working families and further stressing our state’s already unreliable power grid,” said Congressman Valadao.“Governor Newsom has banned the sale of combustion-engine vehicles in the state after 2035 – once again putting the interests of extreme environmentalists over hardworking Californians. I’m proud to support the Energy Choice Act to put an end to these misguided energy policies and ensure an all-of-the-above approach to energy production and use.”
"President Biden and Governor Hochul continue to squash American energy production and infringe on Americans' right to choose how they heat their homes by implementing legislation to make energy for our communities less reliable and more expensive," said Congresswoman Tenney. "The Energy Choice Act would prevent any state attacks on energy choice to save our families money and unleash American energy dominance. The Left must end their war on natural gas and allow Americans to choose the energy sources that work best for them!"
“As a result of weak policies, the American people are burdened by a higher cost of living now more than ever before,” said Congressman Moylan. “The Energy Choice Act works to ease the pockets of Americans by giving them the right to access affordable and reliable energy through prohibiting restrictions on natural gas. Most importantly, this bill would make us less dependent on foreign adversaries for our energy needs.”
The Energy Choice Act has also received wide support from outside groups, including Americans for Prosperity, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association, the American Public Gas Association (APGA), the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), the National Energy and Fuels Institute (NEFI), New York State Energy Coalition (NYSEC) and Clean Fuels Alliance America.
“Clean Fuels thanks Representative Langworthy for recognizing that drop in fuels like biomass-based diesel can provide consumers carbon reductions without the high cost of changing vehicle engines and heating equipment,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America. “In addition to being better and cleaner, biodiesel and renewable diesel are available and affordable today, and consumers should have a choice to use them as their fuel source.”
“The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) commends Rep. Langworthy for introducing the Energy Choice Act, which safeguards the ability of American consumers to maintain their preferred energy sources. Since 2019, NPGA has observed more than 170 local governments making efforts to prohibit vital gas infrastructure, creating distortions in heating markets to promote electrification. The Energy Choice Act represents a pivotal legislative initiative that guarantees consumers the ongoing freedom to select their energy solutions, irrespective of their geographic location,” said the National Propane Gas Association.
“The Energy Choice Act is common sense policy that allows for market competition and prevents state and local governments from picking ‘winners and losers.’ It allows American households to choose the heating solutions best suited to their individual needs, local climates, and importantly, family budgets. The legislation enables renewable liquid heating fuels to compete, build market share, and contribute to emissions reductions in New York and throughout the country,” said the National Energy and Fuels Institute in a letter of support for the bill. “We strongly encourage all members of Congress to support this legislation and urge its immediate consideration.”