Smullen: It is time to put an end to the all-electric mandate mayhem

Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R, C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) joined members of New York state’s congressional delegation and members of the New York State Assembly Republican Conference to support the Energy Choice Act on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.

Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R, C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) joined Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23), other members of the state’s congressional delegation, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R, C-Pulaski) and other members of the New York State Assembly Republican Conference at a press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, to condemn the gas stove ban and all-electric mandates. Smullen says although the gas stove ban and all-electric mandates have been delayed, more needs to be done to prevent New York families, homeowners, schools and businesses from facing energy-related affordability and safety issues further down the road.

“I strongly oppose the gas stove ban and the all-electric mandates, especially the all-electric school bus mandate,” said Smullen. “While the intent behind implementing these mandates is to promote renewable energy and combat climate change, the technology, infrastructure and dollars required to transition to all-electric are currently out of reach in New York state.

“Take the all-electric school bus mandate, for instance. The transition to all-electric buses is simply not achievable for a significant number of school districts statewide, especially rural districts. All-electric school buses cost anywhere from two to four times more than traditional internal combustion-engine buses. Thus, the total statewide cost to switch to all-electric buses would be between $8 billion and $15.25 billion, without factoring in infrastructure and facility upgrades. If school district budgets were forced to foot the bill in order to switch to these buses, there would hardly be any funding left for our students.

“This all-electric mandate mayhem cannot continue in our state. New Yorkers’ energy rights must be protected, and all-electric mandates must be stopped in their tracks.”

Assemblyman Robert Smullen represents the 118th Assembly District, which includes Hamilton County and parts of Montgomery, Fulton, Herkimer, and Oneida counties.