Central Hudson contributes more than $60 million each year in tax revenue to area school and local governments. A public takeover would eliminate property tax payments, creating chaos in school district and municipal budgeting and potentially huge gaps in funding.

There is no clear evidence that demonstrates government-run utilities are cheaper or more efficient than private utilities. Moreover, the costs of purchasing Central Hudson’s infrastructure through eminent domain would likely fall on customers, driving up rates.

The proposed legislation calls for the elimination of jobs held by hard-working employees who work in the non-renewable energy sector. In their desire to move away from natural gas as rapidly as possible, a government-run utility would jeopardize the livelihoods of union workers who support the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas.

A rushed transition away from existing energy sources could result in harmful economic impacts and potentially life-threatening consequences. A proper energy transition must be based on science and engineering and done in close coordination and with review from independent authorities, including the grid operator.

The bill would authorize the government to purchase any New York utility “as the authority in its sole discretion may determine,” creating a dangerous path to even greater government overreach.