Press Releases and Statements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT:  
Dave Schryver, President and CEO 

Phone: (202) 464-0835 

Email: dschryver@apga.org 

APGA Encourages New York City Mayor to Re-examine the Environmental and Economic Benefits of Natural Gas   

Washington, D.C. (January 29, 2021) – The American Public Gas Association, representing more than 730 local, municipally owned natural gas systems in 38 states, issued the following statement in response to New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio’s plan to ban natural gas and other fossil fuels in all new building construction by 2030.

“As New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio pushes to cut greenhouse gas emissions, we urge officials to take a holistic approach and examine the environmental and economic benefits of natural gas. Providing three times the efficiency of electricity at one third of the cost, the direct use of natural gas has an important role to play in helping cities across the U.S. achieve critical climate goals. 

Moreover, we urge Mayor DeBlasio not to overlook the importance of consumer choice. New Yorkers should have access to clean, cost effective and efficient energy solutions without being forced to add burdensome energy costs to pay for an untested approach to meeting energy efficiency goals. To truly achieve a smart and clean energy future, it’s imperative that the direct use of natural gas remain part of New York City’s approach."   

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APGA is the national association of municipally and publicly-owned local distribution systems. There are about 1,000 public gas systems serving more than 6 million customers. These public gas utilities are not-for-profit retail distribution entities that are owned by, and accountable to, the citizens they serve. They include municipal gas distribution systems, public utility districts, county districts, and other public agencies that have natural gas distribution facilities.