Empire Statement: New York mandates 100 percent renewable energy by 2040

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo is ushering in a new energy era for the Empire State by signing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act into law, which will require the state’s utilities to produce 70 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and calls for 100 percent carbon-free electricity generation by 2040.

In addition, Cuomo is calling for the country’s largest offshore wind procurement — nearly 1.7 GW — with the selection of two offshore wind projects, that will create enough energy to power over 1 million homes, create more than 1,600 jobs, and result in $3.2 billion in economic activity.

In total, the CLCPA codifies commitments to install 9 GW of offshore wind by 2035; 6 GW of distributed solar by 2025; and 3 GW of energy storage by 2030.

“Cries for a new green movement are hollow political rhetoric if not combined with aggressive goals and a realistic plan on how to achieve them,” Cuomo stated. “With this agreement, New York will lead the way in developing the largest source of offshore wind power in the nation, and today I will sign the most aggressive climate law in the United States of America.”

Highlights of Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

• The CLCPA requires the State to achieve a carbon free electricity system by 2040 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85% below 1990 levels by 2050.
• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will, through the adoption of regulations, drive an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with an interim mandate of 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 (both relative to 1990 levels). The Climate Action Council will develop a plan to offset remaining emissions through carbon capture or other technologies, resulting in a carbon-neutral economy.
• The CLCPA mandates that at least 70% of New York’s electricity come from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar by 2030, and that the state’s power system is 100% carbon neutral by 2040.
• The CLCPA codifies commitments to install 9 GW of offshore wind by 2035; 6 GW of distributed solar by 2025; and 3 GW of energy storage by 2030.
• Importantly, implementation of the CLCPA will target investments to benefit disadvantaged communities. Relevant state agencies will invest 35% of clean energy program resources to benefit disadvantaged communities, and will aim to invest 40%.
• Heads of relevant state agencies and legislative appointees will craft the roadmap of policies needed to achieve the law’s mandates. The Council, co-chaired by the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) and DEC will establish sector specific working groups to make sure experts and stakeholders inform all policies developed under the CLCPA. Planned working groups include a just transition working group, as well as working groups on transportation, agriculture, energy-intensive and trade-exposed industries, land use and energy efficiency.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: https://solarbuildermag.com/news/empire-statement-new-york-mandates-100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2040/]