New York Governor Andrew Cuomo this week unveiled the 20th proposal of the 2018 State of the State: a comprehensive agenda to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and growing the clean energy economy.
Cuomo said, “New Yorkers know too well the devastation caused by climate change, and in order to slow the effects of extreme weather and build our communities to be stronger and more resilient, we must make significant investments in renewable energy. With this proposal, New York is taking bold action to fight climate change and protect our environment, while supporting and growing 21st century jobs in these cutting-edge renewable industries.”
Highlights of the agenda include:
The new agenda will build on the governor’s mandate to generate 50% of the state's electricity needs from renewable energy sources by 2030.
According to the site, Governor Cuomo is calling for a procurement of at least 800 megawatts of offshore wind power between two solicitations to be issued in 2018 and 2019. These solicitations will be the first in a set schedule to reach the 2030 target, will create competition among developers to build some of the largest offshore wind projects in the United States, and will ensure that the resulting jobs and economic development benefits accrue across the state.
In addition, Governor Cuomo is directing NYSERDA to invest $15 million in clean energy workforce development and infrastructure advancement to train workers for jobs in the clean energy industry, including offshore wind construction, installation, operation, maintenance, design, and associated infrastructure.
To attract private investment in port infrastructure and supply chain activities, Governor Cuomo is further directing NYSERDA to work with Empire State Development and other state agencies to determine the most promising public and private offshore wind port infrastructure investments. Governor Cuomo says these new actions will jumpstart project development, drive job growth and industry investments, and secure New York's status as the leader of emerging offshore wind industry in the US.
While significant innovation and growth have been achieved in the renewable energy industry in New York, energy efficiency has not been on the same trajectory towards greater energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions like solar and wind. Creating a more energy efficient New York will require effort across the board to attract greater investment and innovation in energy efficiency.
To address this, Governor Cuomo is directing the New York Department of Public Service and NYSERDA to:
In addition, NYSERDA will propose the establishment of appliance efficiency standards, with support for implementation from the Clean Energy Fund. This strategy is proven to achieve significant energy savings and is a function recently abdicated by the federal government. As co-chair of the US Climate Alliance, New York State will work with its partners in other states to help scale state-level appliance efficiency. Working through the US Climate Alliance and with other partners, New York State will provide certainty to manufacturers that appliance efficiency standards must be met across the United States.
Mark your calendars: The 3rd Annual Environmental Leader & Energy Manager Conference takes place May 15 – 17, 2018 in Denver. Learn more here.
