Throughout the state, increasing energy costs are becoming unaffordable for the average working family and senior citizen. High energy costs are also a major deterrent to doing business in the Empire State. To make energy more affordable in New York State, Assemblyman Tom O'Mara is committed to enacting a comprehensive statewide energy plan that promotes the state's goal of utilizing 45 percent of its energy needs from alternative and green sources of power by 2015.

To accomplish this goal and lower energy costs for all new Yorkers, Assemblyman O'Mara supports:

Assemblyman Tom O'Mara is the Ranking Minority Member on the Energy Committee.

Renewing Article X for the siting of major electrical generating facilities and establish a state energy planning board to adopt a comprehensive state energy plan. (A.2082)

Expediting the approval process for power companies to make upgrades to existing transmission lines. (A.3040)

Authorizing the Office of General Services to buy electricity on the open market for use by the state and localities to reduce costs. The state already has similar practices for gasoline and heating fuel purchasing. (A.2056)

Creating the NYS School Energy Efficiency Fund to provide funding to New York school districts for energy-efficient upgrades. (A.5509)

Fostering natural gas exploration and drilling in the Southern Tier to provide a greater supply of clean power and stimulate the local economy.

Power for Jobs
Tom O'Mara is working to make Power for Jobs/Economic Development Power permanent to enable longer-term contracts for this low-cost energy so manufacturers can better plan for future growth and invest in their facilities.

Last year, Assemblyman Tom O'Mara helped pass net metering legislation, which provides larger savings to homeowners, schools and businesses who utilize renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and farm digester electric generating systems for some or all of their power needs.

Tom O'Mara is confident that increasing renewable energy production in New York will lead to lower energy costs, foster economic and job growth and leave a cleaner environment for future generations.