Referring to a recent memo by the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) that outlines potential energy cost increases related to the New York Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), Republican NYS Senate candidate Chris Tague said the CLCPA was an example of climate extremism by Democrats hell-bent on dismantling our reliable energy system. 

Tague’s statement not only misrepresents what the NYSERDA memo states, but it also betrays a misunderstanding of how our energy system works, how renewable energy strategy fits in, and how failure to address the impacts of climate change harms our farms, businesses and taxpayers who are forced to pay for the disruptions and damage caused by extreme weather events.

First, the NYSERDA memo addresses one program only—Cap and Invest, which is not even required by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

Second, and more importantly, Democrats are not dismantling a “reliable” energy system, as Tague claims. The Climate Act adds resilience and flexibility to our energy system by promoting low-cost and reliable renewable energy that’s locally produced and not subject to disruptions and price hikes due to wars, price shocks or profiteering by international cartels and big oil companies. Adding renewables to our energy mix doesn’t increase prices; it creates additional supply and competition that works to lower prices. 

Conversely, New York’s overreliance on natural gas has resulted in increased wholesale prices of over 247 percent in just two years. That’s not energy reliability; it’s price gouging and volatility.

Third, our businesses and family farms are already struggling to cope with the impacts of climate change that cause disruptions in operations and growing seasons, including more frequent and costly floods, drought and extreme temperature events.

Lastly, infrastructure damage and repairs caused by warming temperatures, generated from burning excessive amounts of fossil fuels, cost NYS taxpayers approximately $4.2 billion dollars, and U.S. taxpayers approximately $155 billion dollars, in 2025 alone.

Exactly who is Chris Tague fighting for? Is it hard-working families in New York or big oil companies that are picking our pockets by forcing us to pay more for their products and the damage they cause?

We need to support smart and sensible renewable energy policy that lowers costs and harmful emissions—while enhancing our energy independence. 

Michele Frazier (D)

Candidate for NY-51 Senate District

Delhi, NY