Business organizations oppose NY State’s plan to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions

Two of New York State’s leading business organizations voiced their opposition to a proposed bill that would impose new energy mandates on consumers and businesses.

The bill in question is called the Climate and Community Protection Act, which would eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It is currently being considered in the state Senate and the state Assembly.

“The small businesses that employ nearly four million New Yorkers rely on affordable energy supplies at globally competitive prices to operate and run all aspects of their businesses from the shipment of products to the powering of equipment,” Greg Biryla, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said. “All New Yorkers, including small businesses, pay among the highest energy costs in the nation, in part because of fees already assessed on energy. The Climate Community Protection Act would likely exacerbate these costs through additional taxes while also jeopardizing the long-term stability and reliability of affordable energy in New York without offering any concrete alternatives. This approach will simply put New York’s small business at an even greater competitive disadvantage than they already face.”

NFIB, in a survey of its members, found that 87 percent opposed new or additional taxation of carbon-based energy production, transmission, distribution and/or use in New York.

“All New Yorkers should support policies that increase the use of renewable energy and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions,” Michael Kracker, executive director of Unshackle Upstate, said. “Achieving these goals, however, should not require putting our state at a significant economic disadvantage. Unfortunately, the Climate and Community Protection Act will make energy more expensive and less reliable. Businesses and residents already pay $1.6 billion annually in taxes, fees, and surcharges on their energy bills. Forcing them to pay billions more will result in significant job losses and continued outmigration.”

The two organizations are encouraging lawmakers to consider current legislation that would direct to the state energy planning board to study the technical and economic feasibility of a 100 percent renewable energy system.