New York must expedite renewable energy projects

Dear Editor,

Last year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo handed New York the distinction of climate policy leader when he signed into law the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

This act establishes the ambitious clean energy target of sourcing 70 percent of New York’s electric energy from renewables by 2030, with the objective to fully decarbonize the state’s grid by 2040.

However, the state will be hard-pressed to meet these climate targets if the state Legislature does not act this session to remove barriers to site and build renewables, which under the current process takes 8 to 10 years for a single renewable energy project.

Last month, fortunately, Cuomo explained plans to simplify and expedite the process by which solar and wind energy developers are sited and approved. This will minimize bureaucratic hurdles and increase projects’ pace while continuing to maintain rigorous environmental standards. Local communities will continue to set policy through local zoning laws for renewable energy development. In addition, proposals to provide discounted electricity will help ensure local communities are getting the most benefit out of renewable energy projects, not least of all millions of investment dollars and the creation of family-wage jobs.

Investing in clean energy helps keep our energy dollars here rather than using them to import energy from other states and Canada.

Transitioning to a 100 percent renewable clean energy grid is the first step in moving to a carbon-free economy, protecting us from local air pollution and climate change’s increasing threats.

Gov. Cuomo’s proposal should be celebrated, and we must call on state senators Jen Metzger, James Skoufis, and Assemblymen Jonathan Jacobson and Kevin Cahill to to pass meaningful renewable energy reform in this year’s budget.

Ted Millar Milton, N.Y.

Transitioning to a 100 percent renewable clean energy grid is the first step in moving to a carbonfree economy, protecting us from local air pollution and climate change’s increasing threats.

— Ted Millar