The American Petroleum Institute's (API) New York executive director, Karen Moreau, recently criticized the state's policies regarding hydraulic fracturing and natural gas pipelines.
“While electricity and heating costs have dropped in most states, New York’s electricity prices are some of the highest in the nation – nearly 50 percent more than the national average – due in large part to self-imposed infrastructure constraints,” Moreau said. “Governor Cuomo has banned New York families and businesses from the benefits of accessing our own state's energy resources through hydraulic fracturing, and now we’re banned from building the pipelines we need to get energy from other states. As the rest of the nation enjoys the economic benefits of the shale-energy revolution, Gov. Cuomo’s policies have sealed New York off from job growth and affordable energy.“
Moreau said U.S. reductions in carbon emissions have come about through increased use of natural gas, which in New York has meant a 24.5 percent cut in carbon emissions between 2005 and 2013, but cautioned that Cuomo’s policies could lead to increased prices for natural gas.
“Seventy-eight percent of Northeastern residents support increased development of America’s energy infrastructure," Moreau said. "They deserve better than policies that sacrifice their long-term economic interests for short-term, narrow political gains. To continue emissions progress, create jobs and reduce energy costs for consumers and manufacturers, New York must prioritize energy infrastructure.”
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