CARMEL, NY – Today County Executive Kevin Byrne announced that he has submitted written comments opposing New York State’s Draft 2025 Energy Plan in its current form. The long-term-planning document, guided by Article 6 of the state Energy Law and overseen by the Energy Planning Board, is in its second iteration following the adoption of a final Scope in March 2025. Among other provisions, Byrne criticized the price-hiking Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019, legislation he voted against while representing Putnam County in the state Assembly. Earlier this year the county executive also opposed NYSEG’s and Central Hudson’s proposed rate hikes submitted to the Department of Public Service’s Public Service Commission, the state regulatory authority charged with approving or denying higher energy prices.

The text of his submitted written comments is below. The deadline to submit written comments is October 6, 2025.

New York’s long-term energy outlook will cost ratepayers considerably more without dramatic reform to expand sources and lower prices. Unlike the current Trump administration, which is rolling back burdensome rules that once strangled American energy, Albany is doubling down on the state’s failed Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

In part, thanks to this 2019 law, local municipalities are drowning in unfunded mandates while consumers face higher bills and fewer energy options.

 I have consistently voiced my opposition to the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant shut down in 2021 – an effort not only approved but strongly encouraged by state officials. Indian Point was one of the Empire State’s most reliable sources of baseload carbon-free energy, and New York State pushed for its closure with no effective plan B. This is increasingly bizarre as more recent polls reveal a majority of Americans support expanding our nuclear capacity, including cutting-edge baseload technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs).

 The result of New York State’s misguided policy has resulted in grid instability, as reported by NYISO and others, as well as significantly higher electricity prices than the national average. If it was not clear earlier, it’s now increasingly evident that the CLCPA is a blueprint for more future blackouts.