Bruce Blakeman proposes natural gas extraction to lower NY energy costs

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, joined by former Governor George Pataki, has called for the extraction of New York State’s natural gas reserves to combat rising energy prices. During a news conference in Washington Heights, Blakeman criticized Governor Kathy Hochul’s green energy policies, arguing that a total reliance on wind and solar is “bankrupting” residents.

Blakeman has made utility costs a central pillar of his campaign, promising to reduce bills by half. Data indicates significant price increases in the state since 2021; ConEd bills in New York City rose 27%, while NYSEG customers in upstate New York saw increases of 46%.

Former Governor Pataki supported the call for a balanced energy approach, stating that while renewable energy is important, it must be part of a package that does not drive costs excessively high through ideology rather than practicality.