(From left) Councilman Paul Oyer, Town Supervisor Timothy Burkett, and Councilman John Barber discussing the resolutions from Sen. George Borello and Rep. Nick Langworthy. P-J photo by Owen Reed

FREWSBURG – The town of Carroll has recently shown support towards two resolutions, at both the state and federal levels, against state efforts to restrict use of natural gas in new home construction.

Resolutions were submitted by both state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, and U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-23. The resolution from Langworthy asked many municipalities from the area to support a measure introduced by Langworthy in opposition to the natural gas bans, titled the Energy Choice Act. The Energy Choice Act was introduced by Langworthy in June, alongside West Virginia Senator Jim Justice. The act prohibits state or local governments from banning any type of connection, reconnection, modification, expansion, or installation of energy based on the type of energy or source of delivery.

The resolution from Norrello was asking the town to support a measure introduced within the N.Y. state Senate. The measure was introduced by Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan and would allow for local governments to opt-out of new climate regulations pertaining to natural gas. The federal resolution from Langworthy seems to focus on getting rid of any natural gas bans altogether, whereas Borrello’s support is more directed toward allowing the choice of energy type rather than a full ban. Despite minor differences between the goals of the two resolutions, the town successfully passed a motion to support both resolutions.

The N.Y. Natural Gas Ban was first brought about in 2023 and finalizations have been completed over the course of 2025. A federal Judge recently declined to block the implementation, and the Code Council approved the regulations. This means that bans on natural gas will begin to be implemented on Jan. 1, 2026. Due to this, any new low-rise building and homes that stay below seven stories will be banned from installing propane/gas appliances or piping. Any other types of new buildings will soon be forced to comply with the same standards effective in 2029. The state noted that this will not affect existing homes or repairs. The ban does not apply toward any existing structures. Repairs and replacements can be made to an existing building while continuing to allow the use of fossil fuels or natural gas. The goal of this implementation was to shift towards a more sustainable form of energy within new construction, but some argue that this will have devastating effects.

Langworthy claimed that these bans have only caused a great financial burden to families as a means to push an agenda. Langworthy made criticisms toward the fast-paced implementation and noted that a system without natural gases and fossil fuels is not yet tested and stable enough.

“Governor Hochul and Democrats in Albany have waged an extremist crusade against natural gas that’s sent home energy costs through the roof, crippled our energy supply, and left New York teetering on the edge of an energy crisis–all to satisfy the radical fantasies of the far-left climate cult. New York has been ground zero for the Green New Deal, where common sense goes to die and working families get stuck with the bill,” Langworthy said in a news release. “That’s why I’ve introduced the Energy Choice Act–to slam the brakes on these reckless, ideological mandates and restore sanity to America’s energy policy. People deserve the freedom to choose energy that is affordable, reliable, and proven–not be forced into rolling blackouts to please eco-activists who don’t live in the real world.”

Both Langworthy and Borrello have asked for support from various municipalities to foster residential support for these bills, with several local governments passing resolutions of support for Langworthy’s bill.