In 2024, despite setbacks in the November election, the fight for a cleaner, healthier future gained significant momentum across the nation, fueled by transformative policies, investments, and grassroots advocacy. Through the Clean Energy for All (CEFA) campaign, launched in 2018 by the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and supported by over 30 state affiliates, including the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV), we’ve pushed for a just and equitable clean energy transition. Together, we are making clean energy accessible to everyone, everywhere.
The vision behind the CEFA campaign was ambitious: to achieve 100% clean energy across the United States. Six years later, this once pioneering goal has become a reality in 16 states, and Vermont joined this growing list in 2024, committing to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035.
Across the country, clean energy solutions are creating jobs, lowering energy costs, and safeguarding public health. This year saw the completion of the first U.S. commercial-scale offshore wind project in New York and increased investments in critical electricity transmission infrastructure. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) continued to deliver tangible benefits, connecting communities with clean energy opportunities and funding.
New York’s Pivotal Role in the Clean Energy Transition
New York remains a trailblazer in clean energy innovation, and 2024 was no exception. From advancing offshore wind to launching community-driven clean energy programs, NYLCV helped achieve landmark victories:
- Offshore Wind Milestones:
- South Fork Wind, the first commercial-scale offshore wind project in the U.S., became operational.
- Construction began on Sunrise Wind, part of New York’s robust offshore wind portfolio.
- Groundbreaking began on the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, a major offshore wind hub set to create good-paying union jobs.
- Onshore Renewable Energy Progress:
- Nearly 2.5 gigawatts of clean energy projects were awarded, bolstering New York’s clean energy infrastructure.
- The adoption of a statewide Solar for All program is driving solar and battery storage development, ensuring all New Yorkers, including low-income families, can benefit from clean energy.
- Congestion Pricing for Cleaner Cities:
- NYLCV celebrated the announcement of New York City’s congestion pricing start date, a groundbreaking program designed to reduce traffic and pollution while generating revenue for public transit. NYLCV and its partners played a critical role in ensuring this program stayed on track.
- Streamlined Energy Infrastructure:
- The RAPID Act was passed to accelerate the permitting of critical electricity transmission projects, paving the way for a more resilient and renewable-powered grid.
“It’s exciting to see plans turning into action with more than 5 GW of distributed solar energy across the state, South Fork Wind – the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm – up and running, and shovels in the ground for a new offshore wind port and Sunrise Wind,” said NYLCV President Julie Tighe. “And because there’s no transition without transmission, we’re thrilled with the adoption of the RAPID Act to help ensure we can deliver all that clean power where it needs to go.”
Engaging Communities and Amplifying Advocacy
NYLCV’s success in 2024 was rooted in robust public engagement and coalition-building. Through innovative initiatives, NYLCV educated communities, empowered constituents, and advocated for transformative policies:
- Hosted What’s Brewin’ Offshore events at local breweries, engaging hundreds of residents and fostering support for offshore wind.
- Organized seven public forums with legislators, clean energy experts, and over 1,000 attendees to address misinformation and discuss clean energy benefits.
- Tabled at 14 community events to directly connect with New Yorkers.
- Drove over 2,000 calls and emails to lawmakers, provided expert testimony during state budget discussions, and ran wide-reaching media campaigns to build public support for clean energy priorities.
A Path Forward
Thanks to the CEFA campaign and NYLCV’s tireless advocacy, New York is well-positioned to lead the nation in achieving a just and equitable clean energy future. But the work is far from over. To meet the urgency of the climate crisis, we must continue holding polluters accountable, ensuring equitable access to clean energy, and advocating for bold policies that protect our communities and planet.
As we celebrate 2024’s accomplishments, we look ahead with renewed determination to build on this progress. Together, we can achieve clean energy for all.