New York has shown some extraordinary leadership in the Northeast over that last six months. In December 2015, Governor Cuomo directed New York’s Public Service Commission (PSC) to create a Clean Energy Standard (CES) which will require that New York power 50 percent of its electric sector with renewable energy by 2030. This goal would put the state on a path to meet its requirement to reduce climate pollution 40 percent by 2030.
Then, in early 2016, Governor Cuomo announced that New York would permanently move off coal by 2020 and create a transition plan for coal affected communities, both necessary steps in helping him achieve his 40 percent carbon reduction target while supporting a just a fair transition for workers and communities.
And lastly, in January 2016, the Commission approved the Clean Energy Fund, an over $5 billion, 10-year funding program to accelerate energy efficiency adoption and increase funding for renewable energy programs such as the Governor’s successful NY Sun program. The Commission also opened a proceeding to develop the CES program and the Commission released a white paper outlining how the CES might work. The Commission stated that a final proposal will be considered in June, a final plan decided in July and scheduled twelve public hearings across New York to hear input on the CES throughout the month of May.
Since the hearings started the Sierra Club, in collaboration with several different advocacy groups throughout the state, have been advocating for a strong, enforceable Clean Energy Standard that includes a large-scale offshore wind program along with a requirement for utilities to increase renewable purchases each year and increased investment in renewable energy to provide local, good paying jobs both up and downstate.
Let’s break down why these three priorities are important and will benefit both Governor Cuomo’s goal and New York citizens.
Ensuring offshore wind is in the Clean Energy Standard would help launch an entirely new industry. With the capacity to power millions of homes, foster diversity in renewable energy development, produce millions of dollars in economic investments and spur new economic development and manufacturing opportunities the benefits will be felt statewide. In addition to jumpstarting an New York based offshore wind industry, the Clean Energy Standard should also prioritize in-state local renewables. Increased solar, onshore wind and offshore wind will give New York the opportunity to become a regional incubator for a growing industry, all while making deep cuts in the state’s climate pollution.
Beyond establishing an enforceable yearly target for renewable energy growth, the Commission should also establish an enforceable energy efficiency targets for utilities with a requirement that at least two percent annual energy savings are achieved. Neighboring states have already surpassed this amount of annual energy savings and have significant reductions in consumer’s electricity costs.
The CES should not be a route to importing already-existing hydropower from Canada. Let’s make sure our power is home grown, prioritizing local economic development within our state. Whenever possible, the CES should promote community and local ownership of renewable energy so that New Yorkers reap the full economic benefits of a clean energy economy.
By requiring utilities and public energy authorities to purchase a certain amount of renewable power each year, creating an offshore wind requirement and investing in local, renewable energy the CES will help the Governor achieve his goal of generating 50 percent of New York State’s electricity from renewables by 2030 provide jobs and cuts in electricity costs to residents and help curb climate disruption.