NY Congressman Nick Langworthy on Energy Bans, Cashless Bail, and NYC's Future

Opposition to New York's Natural Gas Ban

• 💡 Congressman Nick Langworthy is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to reverse the ban on natural gas and propane hookups in new construction, set to take effect January 1st, 2026.
• ⚠️ Langworthy argues this ban is detrimental to constituents, especially in Western and Upstate New York, citing critical winter storms where natural gas provided a reliable heat source when electricity failed, leading to deaths in 2022.
• 🏠 The ban is described as a "lifeline" for residents, and builders are rushing to get projects permitted before the deadline due to customer concerns.
• 📜 Langworthy introduced the Energy Choice Act to prohibit states and localities from banning safe and legal energy forms in new home construction.
• 🏛️ The bill is in the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is expected to be marked up in September, with companion bills in the Senate, aiming to reach President Trump's desk by year-end.

Concerns Over Rising Energy Costs

• 📈 Langworthy points to recent rate increases approved by New York's Public Service Commission, with more expected due to mandated utility expenditures for grid upgrades to support full electrification.
• 💰 He warns that fully electric heating in cold winter months could lead to electric bills exceeding $1,000, deeming it unaffordable and driven by radical climate activists rather than public demand.

Critique of Cashless Bail Policies

• 🚨 Langworthy, formerly the state Republican party chairman, describes the implementation of cashless bail in New York as a "disaster," leading to immediate re-offenses by criminals with no fear of consequences.
• 🚓 Law enforcement officials in his district report that cashless bail is their biggest problem, as criminals are released quickly and cases take years to resolve, allowing them to move to other jurisdictions.
• 🚫 He applauds President Trump's executive order to end cashless bail nationwide, contrasting it with Governor Hochul's inaction on common-sense public safety measures.

Zohran Mamdani and NYC's Political Landscape

• 🗳️ Regarding the potential mayoral race, Langworthy states that anyone who can beat Zohran Mamdani is the best option for New York City, emphasizing the need to prevent a "communist" from running the city.
• 🌍 He stresses the gravity of the situation, urging political figures to set aside egos and make calculated decisions to save the city and state.
• 📉 The economic engine of New York City is crucial for funding the state budget, and Langworthy expresses concern about the potential negative impact of Mamdani's policies on the state.