State Energy Plan Undermines Emissions Goals, Experts Say

"New York State on Tuesday, December 9 approved a roadmap to meet state energy needs for the next 15 years - but the plan may make it harder for New York City to achieve its own green goals, according to city officials."

"That law requires cutting carbon emissions and transitioning to clean energy. Recently, Governor Kathy Hochul has pulled back from those goals and expressed willingness to delay the mandates. She's embraced an "all of the above" energy strategy that includes a continued reliance on natural gas - as well as new forms of nuclear energy - in order to meet a growing need for electricity."

"The plan codifies Hochul's approach, and local officials and energy experts warn that it presents New York City with particular challenges: The plan envisions that gas-fired plants in the city could operate longer than anticipated, and some could be turned back on. The plan will also make it harder for large buildings in the five boroughs to reduce carbon emissions, as they must under a city law."

The state's December 9 roadmap plans energy for the next 15 years but retains fossil fuels and diverges from the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act's mandates. Governor Kathy Hochul supports an "all of the above" strategy including continued natural gas use and new nuclear options to meet rising electricity demand. NYSERDA President Doreen Harris described the plan as a realistic assessment and roadmap. The plan allows gas-fired plants to operate longer and potentially restart, which could impede New York City's building-emissions reductions and keep citywide emissions above municipal targets. City officials warn the plan delays climate action and complicates local green goals.

Read at Brownstoner