Michael Lawler

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act.

New York families and businesses face some of the highest electricity costs in the country. In February, the average residential electricity price in New York reached about 70 percent higher than the national average, and it is up 58 percent in the last 6 years.

At the same time, data centers seeking to connect to New York's electric grid are reportedly requesting more than 9,000 megawatts of additional electricity. Years of failed energy policies out of Albany, including shutting down nuclear, banning natural gas, blocking pipelines, and other crazy ideas, have already driven up costs for New Yorkers. We cannot afford to make the problem worse.

As we work to bring new investments and jobs to New York and, indeed, America, we need to make sure that the costs of growth do not fall on the families and small businesses already struggling to pay their utility bills. That is why I support the Ratepayer Protection Act.

This legislation simply establishes a basic principle of fairness. It is about making sure that the companies driving new demand for electricity are responsible for the costs associated with that demand.

We are already seeing communities and policymakers grappling with how to manage the rapid growth of large-scale data centers and the demands that they place on our energy infrastructure. This is something that the Federal Government needs to work together on to create regulations and protect the people because we need a better approach.

We need one that respects the role of local communities while ensuring that companies driving new demand are responsible for the costs that they create. We need a policy that looks ahead, builds the infrastructure we need, and protects ratepayers at the same time.

I will continue working to ensure that New Yorkers have access to reliable and affordable energy while making sure that large energy users pay their fair share.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Howard Pierson, a beloved lifelong resident of Nyack, who passed away peacefully at the end of July at the age of 91.

For decades, Howard was a cherished member of our community, dedicating his life to his faith, family, and inspiring those around him. A graduate of Tappan Zee High School, he earned 13 varsity letters in four sports before playing baseball at Manhattan College and signing with the Philadelphia Phillies.

After serving in the United States Army, Howard returned home and spent more than three decades educating and mentoring young people in Rockland County.

At Rockland Community College, he taught, coached, and served as athletic director for 15 years. His golf teams won 21 conference championships, and in 1980, Howard became the first African American to win the Metropolitan Golf Association's Amateur Championship.

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Dorothea; his family; and all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Speaker, may he rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act.

New York families and businesses face some of the highest electricity costs in the country. In February, the average residential electricity price in New York reached about 70 percent higher than the national average, and it is up 58 percent in the last 6 years.

At the same time, data centers seeking to connect to New York's electric grid are reportedly requesting more than 9,000 megawatts of additional electricity. Years of failed energy policies out of Albany, including shutting down nuclear, banning natural gas, blocking pipelines, and other crazy ideas, have already driven up costs for New Yorkers. We cannot afford to make the problem worse.

As we work to bring new investments and jobs to New York and, indeed, America, we need to make sure that the costs of growth do not fall on the families and small businesses already struggling to pay their utility bills. That is why I support the Ratepayer Protection Act.

This legislation simply establishes a basic principle of fairness. It is about making sure that the companies driving new demand for electricity are responsible for the costs associated with that demand.

We are already seeing communities and policymakers grappling with how to manage the rapid growth of large-scale data centers and the demands that they place on our energy infrastructure. This is something that the Federal Government needs to work together on to create regulations and protect the people because we need a better approach.

We need one that respects the role of local communities while ensuring that companies driving new demand are responsible for the costs that they create. We need a policy that looks ahead, builds the infrastructure we need, and protects ratepayers at the same time.

I will continue working to ensure that New Yorkers have access to reliable and affordable energy while making sure that large energy users pay their fair share.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.