The Empire State Standing Tall on Climate Action
by Sonam Velani As we watch so much gridlock at the federal level when it comes to robust climate action, it’s important to remember that New York is the 10th largest economy in the world - we are not only policymakers, but also marketmakers when it comes to leading a just transition!
In 2019, New York State passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, the country’s most ambitious legislation to address climate change. The sweeping measures to reduce our carbon footprint and improve the resiliency of communities are overseen by The Climate Action Council and The Climate Justice Working Group, both composed of state officials, industry representatives, climate activists, and scientists. The 331 page plan - currently on a roadshow across the state - will be finalized this year and outlines goals to restructure the state’s economy, housing, and transportation, all while doing so equitably for communities most impacted by climate change.
Wind turbines along the coast of Lake Erie in Buffalo, New York. Photo from Shutterstock.
Here are the headlines:
An 85% reduction in emissions across the board by 2050, with the remainder offset by reforestation, carbon sequestration, and other measures.
Transition to a 70% renewable grid by 2030 and 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040.
Increase 9,000 MW of offshore wind, 6,000 megawatts of solar, and 3,000 megawatts of energy storage by 2035.
Only zero-emission passenger vehicles can be sold in NY starting in 2035, with medium and heavy duty trucks following by 2045.
New York State’s goal is to reach 70% renewable energy by 2030. Chart by NYSERDA.
New York State’s goal is to reach 70% renewable energy by 2030. Chart by NYSERDA.
“If we have the nation’s most aggressive climate law,” said Basil Seggos, Commissioner of the State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Council Co-Chair, “we want to be the nation’s leader on its implementation.”
On that front, the State is already making headways:
$175 million of funding is available to ramp up the number of publicly available EV chargers across the state (for those counting, we’re at 9,500 today)
$700 million is available in incentives to help homes and businesses reduce their building emissions and replace their HVAC systems with all-electric heat pumps
The NYS Pension Fund has committed $2 billion to the Climate Transition Index, focused on reducing the risks of climate change and capitalizing on the opportunities arising from the transition to a low-carbon economy.
NYSERDA has committed funding to over 120 large-scale renewable projects totaling 14,500+ MW, enough to power over 5.2 million homes.
NY is now the top community solar market in the US, with 1 GW of community solar installed and operational, with line of sight toward its goal of 10 GW by 2030.
PSC announced contracts to support the largest renewable energy and transmission project in the state, delivering solar, wind, and hydropower from upstate New York and Canada into New York City and facilitating $8.2 billion in economic development across the state.
New transmission lines will bring power from Quebec and upstate into New York City by 2035. Image by S&P Global.
New transmission lines will bring power from Quebec and upstate into New York City by 2035. Image by S&P Global.
This is the type of bold action on climate we so often talk about, yet don’t often see. And the good news: we’re just getting started!
by Sonam Velani