Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh called for action on Mar. 4 to address rising energy costs and concerns about grid reliability in New York, speaking at a press conference with Senate and Assembly Minority lawmakers at the state Capitol.
The issue of energy affordability is significant for families and businesses across the state, as many are experiencing higher electricity and heating bills. Walsh, who represents Saratoga, Schenectady, and Fulton counties, said residents in her district are struggling with these increases. “Families in my district are seeing dramatic increases in their monthly utility bills, and they deserve answers,” Walsh said. “When residential electricity prices have risen 47.1% since 2019 and we continue to hear warnings about grid reliability, it’s clear we must reassess our current path.”
Walsh referenced an internal memo from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority that projects substantial fuel cost increases by 2031 due to compliance with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The memo forecasts gasoline could rise by more than $2.23 per gallon, diesel by $2.41 per gallon, and natural gas by $16.96 per MMBtu. She also noted that the New York Independent System Operator has raised concerns about future grid reliability.
At the event, Walsh joined colleagues in proposing measures aimed at immediate financial relief for ratepayers while working to strengthen long-term energy system reliability. “I speak with members from across the state who are reporting the same thing: energy costs are unsustainable for working families, seniors on fixed incomes and small businesses,” she said. “We can pursue environmental progress, but it must be done responsibly and transparently, with affordability and reliability at the forefront.”
Walsh argued for a practical approach that balances environmental goals with economic realities rather than implementing mandates such as a gas stove ban or repealing existing rules without considering infrastructure readiness or family budgets.
“Our goal should be clear,” Walsh concluded. “Reliable power, reasonable costs and policies grounded in reality, not mandates that outpace our infrastructure or our families’ ability to pay.”
Walsh was first elected to the New York State Assembly on November 8, 2016 according to her official biography. She achieved appointment as Assembly Minority Leader Pro Tempore in 2025 according to her official biography.
She sits on both the Judiciary Committee and Ways and Means Committee while serving as secretary of the American Irish Legislators Society according to her official biography. In addition to legislative work on energy issues, Walsh promotes involvement of young women in government and hosts community events addressing topics like school safety and opioid addiction as detailed in her official biography.
Walsh lives with her husband Jim; together they share six children in their blended family as noted in her official biography.
