After years of determined advocacy by Mothers Out Front members and our allies in the Renewable Heat Now campaign, New York State has officially repealed the outdated and harmful “100 Foot Rule.” The legislature passed the repeal in June 2025, and Governor Kathy Hochul signed it into law in December of 2025. It’s important to note that Governor Hochul amended the bill to delay its effective date by one year, during which time the Public Service Commission (PSC) will issue regulations for its implementation. Although this is a major victory for families, public health, and climate justice, we want to keep the momentum going to solidify New York’s renewable energy future.
Why Repealing the 100 Foot Rule Matters
For decades, the “100 Foot Rule” required all utility customers to subsidize the cost of extending methane gas lines up to 100 feet for new customers. In practice, this meant families already struggling with high utility bills were helping pay to expand fossil fuel infrastructure, which further drives up costs.
Repealing this rule delivers real, tangible benefits including:
- Avoiding hundreds of millions of dollars in unnecessary costs on utility bills, helping curb rising energy prices.
- Reducing demand for methane gas, which heats the planet faster than carbon dioxide.
- Leveling the playing field for all-electric heating, ensuring the real price of gas is no longer hidden through ratepayer subsidies.
- Protecting families during policy delays. The implementation of the All-Electric Building Act has been pushed back until 2029 or later (due to Hochul giving in to fossil fuel interests) and by repealing the “100 Foot Rule”, it ensures that New Yorkers are not paying an estimated $600 million per year to subsidize new gas hookups in the meantime.
This victory helps move New York toward cleaner heating solutions powered by renewable energy sources, creating healthier homes and a more affordable energy system.
How We Got Here, Hint: Organizing Works!
This victory is the direct result of powerful, committed organizing. Mothers Out Front is a proud member of the Renewable Heat Now (RHN) campaign, which helped pass the All-Electric Buildings Act in 2023.
We then advocated strongly for the Home Energy Affordability Transition Act, also known as the NY Heat Act, which includes repealing the “100 Foot Rule” and updating the “obligation to serve” so utility companies provide cost-effective thermal services rather than being required to expand methane gas infrastructure.
Toward the end of the 2024-2025 legislative session, bill sponsors introduced a standalone bill to repeal the “100 Foot Rule”, which passed in June 2025. Organizers powered this win through lobby visits, speaking at public events, phonebanks, postcard campaigns, press conferences, mobilization, and sustained pressure urging Governor Hochul to sign the bill.
The Fight Isn't Over
We continue to fight for policies that help New York transition to renewable energy sources so families can access clean, affordable heat while improving air quality. Buildings are the largest source of climate pollution in New York, and methane gas pollution is rapidly heating the planet. Building out gas infrastructure locks families into higher energy costs and worsens climate impacts. Mothers Out Front has consistently fought against gas system expansion including opposition to the NESE pipeline, Algonquin pipeline expansion, and ratepayer subsidies for gas expansion. The recent backpedaling on climate commitments such as delays in implementing the All-Electric Buildings Act, has us concerned so we aren’t slowing down.
The Hochul budget proposal and final state budget negotiations will play a major role in determining if New York invests in affordable electrification, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources for families. Budget decisions now will shape whether climate policies deliver relief for households facing high energy costs. The “100 Foot Rule” win shows what is possible when continuous pressure and focus is applied.
How to Get Involved
Next step: protect and implement this victory while continuing to push for policies that families need.
Protect the Win
Shape the public narrative by writing a Letter to the Editor. We know that opponents will try to roll this back, so we must make it clear New Yorkers support this change. You can also participate in Public Service Commission proceedings and public comment opportunities to ensure implementation of the repeal.
Sign-Up to volunteer with Mothers Out Front and take action to protect this win.
Fight for a Just Energy Budget
Mothers Out Front and Renewable Heat Now are advocating for investments in the state budget that help families transition away from fossil fuels while lowering energy costs. Key priorities in negotiations include:
- Additional funding for Empower Plus to help low and moderate income households improve home energy efficiency and electrify heating
- Increased funding for Green Affordable Pre-Electrification programs
- Preserve funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program
- Funding to help oil and propane customers install heat pumps
- Investments supporting the Sustainable Future Program to fund Thermal Energy Networks, Clean Small Buildings, and the Clean Green Schools programs
- Passing the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power Act to expand access to rooftop solar and energy storage.
- Updating Public Service Law so utilities provide the most cost-effective, fuel-agnostic heating
Show Up and Take Action
There are many opportunities to get involved including lobby visits with legislators, an upcoming Albany mobilization focused on budget priorities, and rallies demanding full implementation of New York’s climate law. Mother Out Front will also be launching email, calling, and postcard tools so members can easily contact their legislators.
Join Mothers Out Front on April 18th for the “Deadline Hochul” rally in Albany to hold Hochul accountable for implementing the climate law.
This Is What Collective Power Achieves
Repealing the “100 Foot Rule” proves that when mothers, caregivers, and community members organize together, we can take on powerful fossil fuel interests and win. We celebrate this victory with gratitude for every member who showed up, spoke out, and refused to back down. We move forward knowing this work continues until all children and families have a safe and healthy future.