On October 28, Mothers Out Front members, families, and local leaders gathered at The Blue Pig in Croton-on-Hudson to send a clear message to Governor Kathy Hochul that it’s time to repeal New York’s outdated and unfair “100 Foot Rule.”
The rule currently forces ratepayers to cover the cost of extending gas lines up to 100 feet for new hookups. This effectively subsidizes the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure at a time when we need to be investing in clean, affordable energy.
This event brought together advocates and organizations from across the region, including Food & Water Watch, Sierra Club, Climate Reality Project, Green Ossining, and more. Local elected officials including Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky, and Croton Deputy Mayor Len Simon also joined to show their support.
Speakers emphasized that repealing the rule would not only reduce climate pollution but also save New Yorkers nearly $600 million every year.
“Governor Hochul, we need leadership that prioritizes the well-being of families. By repealing the 100-Foot Rule, we can stop the expansion of the polluting gas system, save money, and transition to clean heating systems that decrease our carbon emissions. Signing this bill is also a necessary step toward curbing our rising energy bills,” said Donna O’Malley, Member Leader of Mothers Out Front Northern Westchester.
Across New York, families are already feeling the burden of rising energy costs. Since 2022, every major gas utility in the state has raised rates, leaving more than 1.2 million families behind on their energy bills. Today, one in four New York households struggles to afford their monthly energy costs. Repealing the 100-Foot Rule would be a powerful step toward ending these subsidies for fossil fuel expansion and redirecting resources to affordable, renewable energy.
States like Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Maryland have already taken similar steps to end outdated gas subsidies. New Yorkers are calling on Governor Hochul to make sure our state doesn’t get left behind.
During the event, Assemblymember Levenberg (seen dressed in a heat pump costume in the above image) urged the crowd, “We cannot be tricked by pipelines. Pipelines aren’t a treat — they’re a trick. Let’s put a stake in the heart of this monstrous rule.”
New Yorkers deserve an energy system that is affordable, healthy, and contributes to a livable climate.
Get Involved
- Ask Governor Hochul to sign the Bill!
- Join Renewable Heat Now in Albany on Thursday, December 11 to urge Governor Hochul to stop gas infrastructure expansion.