Category Archives: Environment / Development

The state Public Service Commission has approved New York’s Clean Energy Standard, which officials are calling the most comprehensive and ambitious clean energy mandate in the state’s history, to fight climate change, reduce harmful air pollution, and ensure a diverse and reliable energy supply.

The Clean Energy Standard will require 50 percent of New York’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar by 2030, with an aggressive phase in schedule over the next several years, state officials said.

In its initial phase, utilities and other energy suppliers will be required to procure and phase in new renewable power resources starting with 26.31 percent of the state’s total electricity load in 2017 and grow to 30.54 percent of the statewide total in 2021. The Clean Energy Standard will cost less than $2 a month to the average residential customer’s bill, officials said.

“New York has taken bold action to become a national leader in the clean energy economy and is taking concrete, cost-effective steps today to safeguard this state’s environment for decades to come,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “This Clean Energy Standard shows you can generate the power necessary for supporting the modern economy while combatting climate change. Make no mistake, this is a very real threat that continues to grow by the day and I urge all other states to join us in this fight for our very future.”

Officials said the Clean Energy Standard will:

• Significantly reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and prevent backsliding on progress made to date by maintaining the operations of carbon-free nuclear power plants as the state transitions to a 50 percent renewable requirement.

• Strengthen New York’s electric fuel diversity for the reliability benefits it brings. The Clean Energy Standard also places New York as a leader of the global effort to combat climate change and the resulting extreme weather events.

By 2030, the 50 percent renewable mandate will be a critical component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent (from 1990 levels) and by 80 percent by 2050, officials said

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and EnterSolar announced the completion of a 1.85-megawatt solar installation designed to offset up to 75 percent of the power used by 17 Stewart’s Shops in upstate New York.

This installation, located off site in Halfmoon, supports Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s mandate for 50 percent of electricity generation to come from renewable energy sources by 2030 and New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) strategy.

John B. Rhodes, president and CEO, NYSERDA said, “We are proud to partner with Stewart’s Shops and EnterSolar on this solar project. Stewart’s is a true leader in sustainability efforts and is a model for other businesses to follow here in New York state.”

He said the state is making renewable energy an easy and affordable choice for both businesses and homeowners.

Paul Ahern, president of EnterSolar, said, “We are pleased to complete this, our second initiative with Stewart’s Shops. They are a true partner that recognizes the financial, as well as environmental benefit, of capturing the power of renewable energy. Knowing that solar energy will keep Stewart’s Shops ice cream cold all summer just makes the project that much sweeter.”

Nancy Trimbur, senior vice president at Stewart’s Shops, said the company has a commitment “to giving back to our communities, we are committed to making our communities greener. We’re happy to partner once again with EnterSolar and their efforts in encouraging sustainable energy practices. The solar project they completed at our Greenfield plant in 2013 has been a shining success, and the future looks bright for this latest opportunity to be more eco-friendly.”