To the editor:

I received Senator Dan Stec’s latest mailer, which outlines Stec’s energy agenda. He attempts to misrepresent the NY Heat Act and rally his base with false claims that “homeowners will be forced to switch from natural gas to electric.” To be clear, the NY Heat Act will not force anyone to give up their propane stove or their gasoline car.

The NY Heat Act aims to transition away from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy sources. The NY Heat Act would end subsidies that build out new gas infrastructure. The NY Heat Act addresses affordability by placing a 6% of household income cap on energy bills.

Is Dan Stec a science denier? Does he need to be told that climate change is driving extreme weather? We have the technology to mitigate some of the effects, and that includes electrification using renewable energy.

The Republican Party prefers to dismantle FEMA, leaving communities vulnerable. They prefer to drill and continue to subsidize fossil fuels, adding carbon to the atmosphere. They have ended disaster preparedness grants and canceled programs that promote renewables.

Science apparently is too “woke” for republicans. We sure could use a blue wave, for the sake of our planet.

Denise Griffin

Vermontville