Blakeman and Pataki push natural-gas expansion to curb soaring New York energy bills

Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for New York governor, accused Governor Kathy Hochul of “bankrupting” residents with her renewable-energy policies and called for a balanced approach that includes natural-gas development. Former Governor George Pataki joined him, warning that recent tax hikes and utility price increases have made New Yorkers’ lives harder. The duo promoted lifting the 2014 fracking ban, arguing the state’s vast gas reserves could slash heating expenses, as highlighted by an Empire Center for Public Policy study.

They noted that ConEd and NYSEG customers have seen bills rise sharply since 2021, positioning gas as a cheaper alternative to electric heating. Hochul responded by highlighting $1 billion in rebate checks and attributing high costs to external factors like the war in Iran. The proposals come weeks before the November 3 election, where polls show a narrow lead for Hochul.