Reaffirmed February 14, 2023

RESOLUTION OF THE GREATER UTICA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPPOSING A STATE CARBON TAX

WHEREAS,  New York State is the highest taxed state in the nation, and according to the Tax Foundation, ranks second most hostile to new business development behind only California and just ahead of New Jersey; and

WHEREAS,  pending legislation in the New York State Legislature includes a proposed Carbon Tax, now pending in the New York State Legislature as Senate Bill SS3336;  and

WHEREAS,  the proposed carbon tax would apply to all users of gasoline, most electricity, propane, natural gas, and heating oil; and

WHEREAS,  the tax on gasoline would immediately add 34 cents per gallon to the price at the pump – on top of already existing state sales and excise taxes – and rise to $1.66 per gallon over ten years;  and

WHEREAS;  the tax on heating oil would add 39 cents per gallon immediately and rise to $1.90 per gallon over ten years, adding an estimated $650 dollars per year for the average homeowner;  and

WHEREAS,  the added cost of the proposed new tax would reduce disposable income to both citizens and businesses and would likely add to the continued exodus from New York, a continued loss of jobs, and additional losses in Congressional representation;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce is opposed any new taxes, and in particular, new taxes on the cost of energy which is so vital to the population and business development.