State Leaders Come Clean on Reality of New York’s Renewable Goals

July 2nd, 2024

A statement from Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United.

“Yesterday’s draft report issued by the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) and NYSERDA referred to the state’s goal to achieve 70% renewables by 2030 as ‘extraordinarily ambitious’ and concluded that a delay in achieving the 70% goal may be unavoidable.

“Given the amount of government resources committed to the task and billions of dollars passed on to consumers, this long overdue concession should give policymakers ample reason to press pause and reassess the ambitious timeline and goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). This report presents a critical opportunity to ask important questions, like why targets will be missed even though ‘The Commission, NYSERDA, and the State as a whole have undertaken an unprecedented mobilization of procurement, permitting reform, workforce development, and complementary actions to drive progress toward the 70% goal.’

“Moreover, it is also time to finally inform the public about the true costs of the CLCPA for low—and moderate-income households, as well as businesses and industries that employ so many hardworking New Yorkers.

“State agencies are making it clear that New York will not meet the original targets of the CLCPA. We urge our leaders in Albany to leverage the information contained in the DPS and NYSERDA report and seriously consider whether we can move forward in a way that ensures reliable and affordable electricity supply.”