Industry Highlights Clean Energy Initiatives in State of the State

ALBANY, NY (01/13/2016)(readMedia)-- Today Governor Andrew Cuomo delivered his vision for New York State and unveiled his SFY 2016-17 Executive Budget proposal, outlining his position on several energy issues.

These elements included:

  • Positioning New York State as the international capital for clean energy products,
  • Reiterating his commitment to a new 50% renewable energy mandate for NYS,
  • Increasing land-based wind capacity 40% over the next four years,
  • Installing solar on 150,000 homes and businesses by 2020,
  • Making 500,000 homes and 20,000 businesses energy efficient by 2020,
  • Funding a $15M initiative to train 10,000 New Yorkers for clean energy jobs, and
  • Increasing renewable energy consumption on SUNY campuses and state-owned colleges.

Anne Reynolds, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, stated, "Governor Cuomo's remarks linked clean energy growth to new jobs for New Yorkers, and rightly so. Wind power and solar power are real job growth areas. Our member companies are poised to ratchet up investment in New York under a strong clean energy mandate. Installing 300 new wind turbines by 2020 is a great interim goal, and will help keep us on track for 50% renewables by 2030.

"We are also excited to hear reports of a proposal to develop a master plan for offshore wind, another important growth area. New York has a wind resource close to high electricity demand on Long Island and New York City. A focus on offshore potential makes good sense.

"Our companies see the Clean Energy Standard as a potentially tremendous opportunity. We are looking for a program that uses long-term power purchase contracts to really attract developers to New York, and bring least-cost projects and stable prices. We also need a timely program, so New York can take maximum advantage of the federal renewable energy tax credits that will be phasing out.

"We look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and the Public Service Commission to achieve New York's visionary energy and climate goals. Timing and details are crucial, but the clean energy industry is ready to respond and eagerly awaiting new opportunities to invest in a sustainable future."

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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