FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Town of Ashford Passes Resolution Supporting Local Choice in Energy Policy
Ashford, NY - 10th September 2025 - The Town of Ashford has passed a resolution in support of Senate Bill S.8481 and Assembly Bill A.8996, which would give local governments the ability to opt out of certain mandates under New York State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
Town officials expressed concern that the State's "electric-only" construction requirements do not take into account the unique challenges of rural communities. Ashford currently employs only a part-time Code Enforcement Officer, and the additional mandates would create a significant burden without providing the staff or resources needed to implement them.
The Town also stressed that electric-only infrastructure is not realistic or safe in rural areas that face frequent and prolonged power outages. During a recent winter storm, some Ashford residents were without power for up to ten days. Families were able to stay warm and safe only because they had access to generators, propane, and natural gas.
"Resiliency and energy choice are essential in our community," said John Pfeffer, Town Supervisor. "If our residents had been limited to electricity during that ten-day outage, the consequences would have been devastating. Rural towns like Ashford need multiple energy options to ensure safety and affordability."
The resolution also highlights concerns about housing affordability, noting that electric-only requirements will drive up the cost of new construction and make it more difficult for young families, seniors, and working residents to find affordable homes in Ashford.
The Town of Ashford has forwarded its resolution to Senator Patrick Gallivan, Senator George Borrello, Assemblymember Matthew Bologna, Assemblymember Joseph Sempolinski, and the New York State Association of Towns in support of this legislation.
For more information, please contact:
John A Pfeffer
Town Supervisor, Town of Ashford