New York League of Conservation Voters
(212) 361-6350, Ext. 206
For Immediate Release: December 13, 2019
Contact: Shachar Sharon
Environmental Group Calls on Governor Cuomo to Sign Legislation Supporting Renewable Energy
Bipartisan S23 Will Protect Existing Energy Sources & Help Meet Governor’s Clean Energy Standards
Albany, NY – The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) is calling on Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to immediately sign a bill that would allow the state to support existing and new energy infrastructure to help reach the Governor’s ambitious clean energy goals of 70% renewable energy by 2030.
In June, the New York state legislature passed S.23, a bipartisan bill that provides additional incentives and credits for New York’s legacy renewable energy infrastructure, while also supporting the construction of new sources of renewable energy. This bill will protect and maintain the continued viability of the state’s existing large-scale, renewable energy resources like hydropower and land-based wind power. S.23 is now on Governor Cuomo’s desk, and must be signed by next week to take effect.
“Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo signed landmark legislation increasing New York’s clean energy goals and positioning the state as a leader in combatting climate change. Without S.23, it will be impossible for the state to hit goals he set,” said Julie Tighe, President of NYLCV. “If the Governor doesn’t sign this bill, he is making it far more likely that New York will miss the targets set by his own administration.”
Currently, New York’s existing renewable energy sources receive little to no support from the state, which means they are at risk for exporting energy to neighboring states such as Massachusetts which incentivize all forms of clean energy or shutting down completely at a time when we need massive amounts of additional renewable energy. The state is already using renewable sources for 23% of its electric power, and chiefly hydropower.
The group warned that if Governor Cuomo does not sign the bill, other actions to meet the clean energy goals would be needed.
“If the Governor does not sign this bill, the State will need to take immediate action,” continued Tighe. “The State must demonstrate that clean power trumps dirty power by either establishing carbon pricing or directing the Public Service Commission to issue an administrative order to support these forms of clean energy and keep their power in our state.”
The New York League of Conservation Voters is the only non-partisan, statewide environmental organization in New York that takes a pragmatic approach to fighting for clean water, healthy air, renewable energy, and open space. For more information, visit www.nylcv.org.
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