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New York State Aims for 70% Renewable Energy and 100% Zero Emissions by 2030 and 2040

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

New York State is pushing forward with ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority ("NYSERDA") and Department of Public Service Staff ("Staff") filed a White Paper on Clean Energy Standard Procurements to Implement New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which sets out a proposed regulatory structure to achieve the state's goals. The plan includes establishing a renewable energy program, setting a minimum of 70% of the state's electricity to be generated by renewable energy systems by 2030, and 100% of the state's electrical demand system to be zero emissions by 2040.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) sets a target of 70% of the state's electricity to be generated by renewable energy systems by 2030 and 100% of the state's electrical demand system to be zero emissions by 2040.
  • The Public Service Commission's Clean Energy Standard (CES) will be used to meet the CLCPA's requirements, with policy changes and modifications to achieve the state's targets.
  • National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (NFGDC) supports the state's energy and environmental goals, having eliminated approximately 1.17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions since 2008 through its Conservation Incentive Program.
  • The CLCPA includes production targets for the electric sector, in addition to greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for the overall economy, which includes the transportation, building, industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors.
  • The plan requires a broad energy and environmental evolution, involving individuals and commercial entities across the state, not just in the energy sector.
  • The White Paper proposes policy changes and modifications to the CE to align it with the CLCPA and achieve the CLCPA's targets.

Statistics:

  • 70% of the state's electricity to be generated by renewable energy systems by 2030 (CLCPA).
  • 100% of the state's electrical demand system to be zero emissions by 2040 (CLCPA).
  • 1.17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions eliminated since 2008 through NFGDC's Conservation Incentive Program.
  • 495,000 residential customers, 35,000 commercial/public authority customers, 425 industrial customers, and 3 electric generating facilities served by NFGDC.
  • 70 by 30 Target and 2040 Zero Emission Target.
  • 60% of 1990 levels by 2030 and 15% of 1990 levels by 2050 for aggregate greenhouse gas emissions.

Sources:

  • Case 15-E-0302, Proceeding on Motion of the Commission to Implement a Large-Scale Renewable Program and a Clean Energy Standard.
  • Case 15-E-0302, supra, Notice Scheduling Technical Conference and Soliciting Comments (Issued June 30, 2020).
  • National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation's website: https://www.nationalfuelforthought.com/.
  • NYSERDA and Department of Public Service Staff's White Paper on Clean Energy Standard Procurements to Implement New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

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