Approved April 11, 2023

RESOLUTION OF THE GREATER UTICA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN SUPPORT OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANTHONY PICENTE’S RESIGNATION FROM NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY BOARD

WHEREAS,  Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente was appointed in 2015 by Governor Andrew Cuomo to the board of directors of the New York Power Authority (NYPA);  and

WHEREAS,  County Executive Picente resigned from the NYPA board of directors on February 17, 2023 citing concerns over energy policy being formulated at the State level; and

WHEREAS,  Picente stated “I can no longer in good conscience serve an administration that is advancing policies that I believe are damaging the very foundation of our economy, public safety, and health of entire state;”  and

WHEREAS,  Picente expressed deep concerns over mandates requiring homeowners to convert from natural gas to electricity for heating and cooking, with the mandate on smaller structures beginning in 2025, and added “that should be a choice, not a mandate;”  and

WHEREAS,  John Howard, a member of New York State’s Public Service Commission warned last year that “green” policies could increase energy bills by billions of dollars;  and

WHEREAS,  numerous questions have been raised doubting the capacity of the State’s electric grid to support the increased load required to meet state-wide heating demand if converted from gas or heating oil to electricity;  and

WHEREAS,  many homeowners and businesses would be expected to suffer significant economic hardship attempting to pay for these conversions on an accelerated timetable;  and

WHEREAS,  the greatly increased costs for electricity would make New York less competitive in attracting new businesses, and would be expected to accelerate the exodus of citizens and businesses from the state;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce supports the decision by Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente to resign from the NYPA board, and shares his concerns over the energy policies being mandated by the New York State and on such a short timetable.