Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) addressed concerns about roadway safety, rising energy costs, and the implementation of a state healthcare program during his latest Assembly Update with Assembly Radio-TV Producer Ted Flint.
Gray highlighted recent accidents involving motor carriers and buses that resulted in fatalities, often due to passengers not wearing seatbelts. He described legislation he has introduced to improve safety for bus passengers. These measures include requiring operational seatbelts, pre-trip safety briefings, and stronger inspections of motor coaches while en route. According to Gray, these steps aim to create a “culture of safety” similar to what is found on airlines.
The discussion also covered increases in utility rates by National Grid, New York State Electric and Gas, and Con Edison. Gray attributed much of the rise in costs to the rapid rollout of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). He called for balancing environmental goals with affordability and stressed the importance of keeping existing energy sources online—including nuclear power—until the electric grid can support increased demand from electrification and manufacturing growth.
“NYSISO, the state grid operator, has been warning for years that we’re headed toward collapsing the grid,” Gray said. “Demand is increasing exponentially from rushed electrification and new energy-intensive industries, and it’s projected to double by 2030. Maybe Albany leaders forgot to carry the one, or whatever ‘Albany math’ they’re using, it doesn’t add up for the rest of us. Not without major cost spikes and a greater risk of blackouts.”
Gray also discussed ongoing issues with the state’s rollout of its new Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) fiscal intermediary provider PPL. He mentioned problems related to provider payments, health insurance coverage, and Department of Health oversight that were raised at a recent Senate hearing. Gray expressed hope that improvements would be made so he could provide better news in future updates.
