Senior Energy Policy Analyst Advocates for Clean Energy Transition in New York State

Samantha Wilt, a seasoned energy policy analyst at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), has dedicated her career to promoting a cleaner and more sustainable energy future in New York State. With over a decade of experience in climate and clean energy advocacy, Wilt has worked closely with major state and local agencies to develop and implement robust programs that address clean energy policies and goals.

Wilt's extensive work has focused on various aspects of the clean energy transition, including energy efficiency, building electrification, renewable electricity, energy storage, and transportation decarbonization. Her efforts have led to significant policy achievements, such as the nation-leading requirements for carbon reductions from existing buildings in New York City through Local Law 97 of 2019.

Key Takeaways:

• Wilt has been a key advocate for clean energy policies and programs in New York State, partnering with major state and local agencies to develop and implement robust programs that address climate change and energy efficiency.
• As a Senior Energy Policy Analyst at NRDC, Wilt has worked on various initiatives, including the promotion of building decarbonization, energy efficiency, and electrification, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the buildings and electricity sectors.
• Wilt has participated in the Energy Grid Climate Working Group and other technical advisory groups to shape the implementation of Local Law 97 and advance building decarbonization frameworks.
• Her work has also included convening and participating in statewide working groups and advisory councils to expand access to clean energy technologies and programs.
• Wilt has intervened in New York Public Service Commission rate cases and proceedings on electric and gas utility rates, energy efficiency, building electrification, gas utility planning, renewable electricity, and storage programs.
• Her experience spans over 15 years, with a deep understanding of the complex energy landscape in New York State and its regulatory framework.

Statistics:

• New York City's Local Law 97 aims to reduce building-related greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
• The law requires buildings over 25,000 square feet to implement energy efficiency measures, such as retrofitting buildings with energy-efficient systems.
• The NRDC has estimated that the city's building sector could reduce emissions by up to 85% by 2050 through the implementation of clean energy technologies and energy efficiency measures.

Sources:

• Samantha Wilt's bio: ecomagination.nrdc.org/expert/swilt
• NRDC website: nrdc.org
• Local Law 97: one.nyc.gov/law-local-97-reducing-carbon-emissions-buildings/
• NRDC report: "Building Decarbonization: A Path to a Low-Carbon Future" (2020)