2016 – NEW YORK'S NEW YEAR FOR NEW ENERGY

ALBANY, NY (01/06/2016)(readMedia)-- Today, representatives of New York's renewable energy industry came together to declare 2016 New York's New Year for New Energy. Companies highlighted Governor Cuomo's recent mandate for the State to achieve 50% renewable energy by 2030. The group also applauded congressional action to extend tax credits for wind, solar, hydro, and some biofuels.

The industry leaders called on the state Public Service Commission to design a program that will work for the renewable energy industry and attract private investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency to New York in order to achieve the 50% mandate.

Anne Reynolds, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York stated, "The Governor's 50% mandate, combined with the newly extended federal tax credits, is powerful momentum for our industries – land-based and offshore wind, solar, hydro, biogas, biomass, and fuel cells." She continued, "We call on the Commission to develop a Clean Energy Standard that works for the industry, so we can get projects financed and built. We know that the 50% mandate is going to require the full range of renewable technologies, large and small, existing and new. The Clean Energy Standard should be a utility obligation to use long-term contracts to get large-scale land-based wind, offshore wind, and utility-scale solar built, and also needs to foster smaller renewables, like rooftop solar, community solar, micro-hydro, fuel cells, and farm-based wind turbines."

In a letter dated December 2, 2015, Governor Cuomo directed the Public Service Commission to "immediately commence a proceeding to establish a Clean Energy Standard for the State." Citing the 50% renewable electricity goal for 2030 included in the State Energy Plan, the directive stated, "By mandating a Clean Energy Standard we ensure that this goal is converted from aspirational to actionable."

"The Governor's 50% renewable energy mandate is an important step toward a cleaner and more robust energy future," stated Kevin Sheen of EverPower Wind, a wind developer active in New York State. "The details of this program do matter, and it is important policies are put in place that will allow ratepayers to reap the benefits of carbon-free energy at a low price that does not fluctuate with volatile fuel costs," he continued.

"We applaud Governor Cuomo for his bold leadership in fighting climate change and positioning New York for a healthier, sustainable energy future," said Clint Plummer, vice president of development at Deepwater Wind, which has proposed a new offshore wind farm to serve Long Island's South Fork. "The waters off New York are home to one of the country's best offshore wind resources, and we're confident that offshore wind energy can play a significant role in New York's Clean Energy Standard."

"With the federal wind production and investment tax credits extended, the wind industry has part of the certainty needed to invest in New York," stated Andrew Gohn of the American Wind Energy Association. "We hope New York can act quickly to establish a workable Clean Energy Standard, in order to grow both onshore and offshore wind power and take full advantage of the federal incentives."

Rick Umoff of the Solar Energy Industries Association stated, "New York can achieve 50% if the State acts quickly and comprehensively. The Clean Energy Standard must work for both rooftop applications and utility-scale projects, as we will need diverse projects to meet this laudable and visionary goal."

Seth Kaplan of EDP Renewables, the company that operates the two largest wind farms in New York State, noted, "Wind energy has brought good jobs and solid economic development to rural communities across the State, and affordable, stable-priced power, free from the gas price roller coaster, to our cities. If the right policy framework is in place – one that creates a market for renewajble energy and allows fair competition among independent power producers – further investment will flow into New York."

"New York now has 25% renewable electricity, from sources including hydropower, biomass, wind and solar," said Larry Richardson, CEO of ReEnergy Holdings, which owns and operates biomass power facilities in New York's North Country. "The Clean Energy Standard needs to support the clean energy projects already in place, and stimulate development of new projects over the next 15 years."

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About the Alliance for Clean Energy New York:

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) is a broad coalition dedicated to promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, a healthy environment, and a strong economy for the Empire State, and is New York's premier advocate for the rapid adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. www.aceny.org