ALLOWING NEW YORKERS THEIR ENERGY OF CHOICE

A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)

One of the more hot-button issues from Albany in recent years has been the effort from the governor’s office and supermajority to restrict the types of energy sources available for their private homes and businesses. An element of the climate-correcting agenda is ensuring new facilities constructed rely on more climate-friendly emission means, such as fully electric stoves. But while Albany may feel one way about energy sources, I still believe this state should allow its citizens to choose which fuel source they’d like to use for recreational purposes. It’s why I signed on to a measure supporting exactly that. The proposal in question would amend the environmental conservation to exempt the burning of wood for recreation, building heating and cooking from some of the greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements on the books. This is not a wholesale change away from environmentally-friendly initiatives the state has taken on in recent years, this would just ensure some of the recreational activities we enjoy—campfires, cookouts or fireplaces in our homes—aren’t scrutinized in the same way as high-rises in New York City.  I find this to be a simple request and a clear change for the betterment of the quality of life in this state. Many rural and suburban communities across our state do opt for more traditional means to generate energy in their homes, and I think lumping in those individual choices with those using high amounts of energy on a larger scale is unfair to them. I sincerely hope that upon returning to Albany, my colleagues will consider this measure. We should be responsible for the care of our environment, but certain habits and hobbies shouldn’t be subjected to change in the same way. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com.