ALBANY — Lawmakers are discussing a compromise that would ensure a controversial environmental bill becomes law — if its implementation is delayed one year, a key senator said Monday.

Under the compromise, Gov. Kathy Hochul would sign a bill eliminating the decades-old "100-foot rule" that forces utilities to connect natural gas lines to new homes or businesses if a transmission line is within 100 feet of the structure and the customer wants the hookup.

But the change wouldn’t take effect till one year after Hochul signs it, said Sen. Liz Krueger, who shepherded the bill through the Senate.

"I haven’t seen the proposal in writing. But I think it’s positive she [Hochul] is reaching out about this because it clearly signals she’s hoping to get this deal done," Krueger (D-Manhattan) said.

See Full Page