Congressman Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act Supported - Save Driving Program Adopted

DELHI - Delaware County supervisors voted to support Congressman Nick Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act at a meeting on Feb. 25th. The resolution further opposed government-mandated natural gas bans.

The Act, introduced in June 2025, prohibits governments from banning an energy service’s connection, reconnection, modification, installation, or expansion based on the type or source of energy to be delivered.

“Governor Hochul and Democrats in Albany have waged an extremist crusade against natural gas that’s sent home energy costs through the roof, crippled our energy supply, and left New York teetering on the edge of an energy crisis—all to satisfy the radical fantasies of the far-left climate cult. New York has been ground zero for the Green New Deal, where common sense goes to die, and working families get stuck with the bill,” said Congressman Langworthy in a press release introducing the Act. “That’s why I’ve introduced the Energy Choice Act—to slam the brakes on these reckless, ideological mandates and restore sanity to America’s energy policy. People deserve the freedom to choose energy that is affordable, reliable, and proven—not be forced into rolling blackouts to please eco-activists who don’t live in the real world. I thank Senator Justice for introducing this bill in the Senate and urge its swift action.”

Supervisors' resolution states, “Affordable and reliable energy is essential to the health, safety, and economic prosperity of New York families, businesses, and communities...”

As a part of Governor Hochul’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, enacted in 2019, the state placed a ban on natural gas and other fossil fuel hookups effective in 2026. Supervisors say the regulations eliminate consumer choice and limit access to affordable energy.

“...these top-down policies undermine affordability, threaten reliability during peak demand, and strip away the freedom of consumers and businesses to choose the energy sources that best meet their needs...” the resolution reads.

While in support of the Energy Choice Act, Hamden Supervisor Wayne Marshfield said, “the damage is already substantial enough.” Concluding the Act “is kinda late.”

He explained how Hochul’s regulations have pushed customers to switch to heat pumps and other renewable sources, which tax the grid and force delivery fees to extremes. Turning down your thermostat does not help the bills, Marshfield noted.

He added that formerly affordable natural gas is more expensive due to a smaller customer base. Gas companies are still required to comply with safety measures, which are now costs spread out among a smaller consumer base, said Marshfield.

Langworthy’s Act has been scheduled for a House floor vote. If approved, it will move to the Senate for approval.

Supervisors Maya Boukai, Delhi; Betty Scott, Masonville; and Tina Molé, Bovina, were absent. In Board Chair Molé’s absence, Vice Chair Jim Ellis of Meredith led the meeting.

Safe Driving Program

Supervisors were unanimous in adopting a safe-driving program for incoming youth drivers.

The initiative, Parents as Driving Partners (PADP), will provide educational materials to youth seeking permits to help develop safe driving habits. Delaware County will be the eighth participating county in New York.

Youth Bureau Representative Lara Yambor explained that the program will ask youth and their parents to sign an agreement acknowledging that they will read the provided materials. The pamphlet highlights driving dangers such as distracted driving, impaired ability, and speeding. The program is voluntary, and there is no legal recourse, said Yambor.

Pamphlets and agreements will be available at all county DMVs.

Yambor said there are discussions with car insurance companies to help offer a rate discount for those participating. Even a small discount would be helpful, she concluded.

Other Business

Following a public hearing, supervisors adopted a local law waiving residency requirements for the Sheriff’s office. The law permits deputy sheriffs or corrections officers to reside in adjoining counties.

A $12,070 state grant was received to cover expenses incurred for the vote-by-mail program during the 2025 elections. A second grant for 2025 elections was received, totaling $6,665.

The Emergency Services Department was awarded $1,266,796 from the State Homeland Security to update 911 services.

Public Health Services received a $3,000 grant from the State Association of County Health Officials. Funds will be used to host weather workshops for older adults and individuals with substance use.

The Youth Bureau received an $11,000 grant to offset costs of an annual $15,000 training event.

Roughly $536,014 in Opioid Settlement Funds were allocated to various programs. Margaretville Hospital received $300,000 of those allocations for a comprehensive outpatient treatment program.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors is scheduled Wednesday, Mar. 11, at 1 p.m.