The Village of Cedarhurst has formally thrown its support behind federal legislation aimed at blocking state and local bans on natural gas hookups, becoming one of the first Long Island municipalities to publicly align with Congressman Nick Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act.
Langworthy, a Republican representing New York’s 23rd Congressional District, has made energy policy a centerpiece of his agenda since taking office in 2023.
The resolution, passed unanimously by the Village Board of Trustees on Dec. 1, was introduced at the request of Assemblyman Ari Brown, who also serves as Cedarhurst’s deputy mayor.
“It’s something that I can’t see any resident wanting,” Brown said. “Electricals are through the roof as it is. It’s more symbolic than anything else and it’s protecting what’s most important to us which is safety and affordability.”
The vote followed a recent visit to Washington, D.C., where Brown and several local officials met with Langworthy to discuss the bill and its potential impact on communities across New York. During that meeting, Langworthy urged municipalities to consider adopting resolutions mirroring the intent of his legislation — a call Cedarhurst leaders say they were eager to answer.
The Energy Choice Act, introduced by Langworthy and Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia, seeks to prevent federal agencies and states from imposing restrictions that would prohibit consumers from accessing natural gas or other affordable fuels.
Supporters say the bill preserves an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy and protects homeowners from escalating costs tied to statewide decarbonization mandates. The proposal emerged amid growing national debate over natural gas bans, which some cities have enacted as part of broader climate-action plans.
As a former New York State GOP chairman, Langworthy frequently criticizes the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act as unrealistic and overly burdensome for ratepayers, arguing that rapid electrification poses risks to grid reliability and household budgets.
“Whether you’re on Long Island or Buffalo, families across the state are facing rising energy costs due to Governor Hochul’s dangerous, illogical war on natural gas,” Langworthy wrote in an email. “My Energy Choice Act protects New Yorkers’ access to affordable, reliable energy options, and I’m grateful to Assemblyman Brown and the Village of Cedarhurst for supporting this critical legislation.”
Cedarhurst trustees echoed those concerns in their resolution. The measure underscores that natural gas remains a cost-effective and reliable heating source for millions of New Yorkers, and warns that recent state policies — including provisions in the 2023 New York State budget tied to electrification — could limit consumer choice, increase energy bills, and strain the state’s power infrastructure.
Brown said the village’s action reflects a commitment to safeguarding residents’ economic interests while supporting a pragmatic approach to energy transition.
“I am honored that our Village has taken this step to support the Energy Choice Act,” Brown said. “Residents deserve access to affordable, reliable energy and the freedom to choose the sources that best meet their needs. I thank Mayor Benjamin Weinstock and the Board of Trustees for their leadership in standing up for Cedarhurst families and businesses.”
The resolution will now be forwarded to Langworthy’s office, as well as to state and regional leaders, signaling Cedarhurst’s stance as statewide discussions over New York’s energy future continue.
“We have gained great bipartisan momentum with the bill passing out of committee this week, and I expect it to soon be on the floor for a vote by the full House of Representatives,” Langworthy wrote.”
