Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, along with members of the Senate Republican Conference, has urged Governor Kathy Hochul to veto a recently passed bill that would eliminate New York’s “100-foot rule” for natural gas service. The legislation (S.8417/A.8888), approved during the final hours of the 2025 Legislative session, seeks to repeal this rule which mandates utilities to cover costs for new gas service connections within 100 feet of an existing main.
The removal of this rule could result in shifting connection costs ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per building onto residents and businesses. Additionally, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) warns that eliminating the rule may hasten a transition towards an already stressed electric grid lacking sufficient generation or storage capacity.
Senator Gallivan expressed concerns about the potential impact on energy costs and access: “New Yorkers are already struggling with affordability issues, and this legislation will drive energy costs higher and limit access to natural gas,” he stated. He emphasized that imposing such mandates is not conducive to a sustainable energy policy and called on Governor Hochul to reject the bill.
In their communication with Governor Hochul, Senate Minority Conference members advocated for maintaining the current 100-foot rule. They highlighted their support for clean energy initiatives but stressed that these should be practical and affordable without compromising energy security.
The bill saw Senator Gallivan voting against it as it passed in the Senate by a vote of 34-25 and was approved by the Assembly with a vote of 83-62.
