Compromise plan would nix '100-foot rule' that provides free natural gas connections to new homes
A spokeswoman for Gov. Kathy Hochul wouldn’t address the compromise talks but said the governor "will review the legislation." Credit: Sipa USA / Lev Radin
ALBANY — Lawmakers are discussing a compromise that would ensure a controversial environmental bill becomes law — if its implementation is delayed one year, a key senator said Monday.
Under the compromise, Gov. Kathy Hochul would sign a bill eliminating the decades-old "100-foot rule" that forces utilities to connect natural gas lines to new homes or businesses if a transmission line is within 100 feet of the structure and the customer wants the hookup.
But the change wouldn’t take effect till one year after Hochul signs it, said Sen. Liz Krueger, who shepherded the bill through the Senate.
"I haven’t seen the proposal in writing. But I think it’s positive she [Hochul] is reaching out about this because it clearly signals she’s hoping to get this deal done," Krueger (D-Manhattan) said.
She added, "I personally won’t fight a one-year delay."
The "three-way talks" are ongoing among the Senate, Assembly and Hochul’s office, according to the senator and a state official who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions.
Hochul typically doesn’t like to comment on pending legislation and her spokeswoman on Monday wouldn’t address the compromise talks but said the governor "will review the legislation."
Democrats in the State Legislature and environmental groups have been pushing for years to eliminate the "100-foot rule," which has been on the books since 1981.
Under it, the gas connection is provided at no charge to the new customer and the cost is spread among all ratepayers — an estimated $200 million or more per year, according to supporters of eliminating the law..
They also contend a change would help New York transition away from fossil fuels such as natural gas, which create greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming.
Opponents say dropping the 100-foot rule will take away consumer choice and drive up costs. They also say costs aren’t going up because of the 100-foot rule but because of "this whole push to force everyone onto electric" power, said Sen. Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue).
"It’s pure economics. The more choices you have, the lower the prices are going to be," Murray said.
Krueger noted that even if the bill is signed into law, any new customer that wants a gas-transmission hook up could still obtain it with a waiver and an agreement to cover the costs.
The Senate and Assembly approved the ban bill in June in the final days of the 2025 legislative session. Hochul has until Dec. 31 to sign or veto it.
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