In response to the passage of S.8417 (Krueger)/A.8888 (Simon), New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, and the Senate Republican Conference are calling for Governor Kathy Hochul to veto this destructive legislation.

The bill, which passed the Senate and Assembly during the final hours of the 2025 Legislative session, would eliminate New York’s long standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas service. This “rule” requires utilities to cover the cost of new gas service connections located within 100 feet of an existing main.

If S.8417/A.8888 is signed into law by the governor, it would shift costs for new gas service connections to residents and businesses. These costs can range from $2,500 to $10,000 per building.

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has also indicated eliminating the 100-foot rule could accelerate an unsustainable transition, pushing more customers to depend on an already overstressed electric grid without adequate generation or storage capacity.

“We have continued to see the legislative majorities support and pass energy policies that make life more difficult and expensive for hardworking New Yorkers and their families,” Sen. Griffo said. “At a time when so many residents and businesses are overburdened, struggling to make ends meet and fleeing the state at an alarming rate, the last thing we should be doing is adding new costs. I am hopeful that the governor will veto this bill and embrace energy policies that will provide much-needed relief and make New York more affordable.”

A copy of the letter is attached.