A potential ban on new natural gas hookups has been hailed by environmental organizations as a necessary step in reducing New York's role in a changing climate and transitioning to cleaner forms of energy in the coming decades.

But Republicans in the state Senate this week have pushed back against the plans, calling them too costly for homeowners and utility ratepayers in an already-expensive state.

The ban on carbon fuel hookups and appliances set for 2025 in new home construction is included in Gov. Kathy Hochul's $227 billion budget plan that is being negotiated at the state Capitol in Albany over the next four years.

Hochul has proposed the measure as a way of ensuring New York meets the standards required under a wide-ranging law meant to address climate change by turning to sources of energy like wind, solar and hydro power.

A Siena College poll released this week found a majority of New York voters surveyed -- 53% to 39% -- oppose the idea of ending new natural gas hookups.

State Senate Republicans called for measures this week meant to address the cost of the change to more renewable forms of energy, including independent costs studies and transparency, keeping needed power supply on the grid and opposing mandates that could drive up consumer bills.

“Albany’s radical energy proposals are unrealistic, unaffordable and unforgiving for the everyday hardworking New Yorker," Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt said. "At a time when our economy is unstable and many of our businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet, we should be focusing on providing much-needed relief, not extreme climate policies at the taxpayers’ expense. Seeking a cleaner energy future does not have to involve outright prohibitions on reliable, affordable energy. It should involve common sense, transparency, and affordability for all New Yorkers."

But supporters of the transition to renewable forms of energy have also sought to allay concerns over the change. The group New Yorkers for Clean Power pointed to a report from WIN Climate that ending natural gas usage could save money for homeowners in the state, with the average cost saving at about $1,000.

"The gas industry is hard at work spreading fear about all-electric buildings because their only concern is their bottom line," said Brynn Fuller-Becker, communications coordinator with New Yorkers for Clean Power and member of the Better Buildings NY Coalition. "The truth is, all-electric buildings will save New Yorkers money while improving air quality and health and fighting climate change - while creating 200,000 new jobs in the process. The clean, affordable and reliable energy future we deserve is possible if lawmakers get the facts, stand up to the gas industry and pass the All-Electric Building Act and NY HEAT Act this year."