New York Gets Closer to a Clean Energy Future with New Environmental Commitments

(NEW YORK, NY – January 10, 2016) Governor Andrew Cuomo yesterday took New York State a step further to a clean energy future during his State of the State address. He pledged to continue investing a record amount in the Environmental Protection Fund and reiterated the State’s commitment to a Clean Energy Standard, which seeks to derive 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. His plan includes closing the Indian Point nuclear power plant by April 2021, 14 years ahead of schedule, and increasing limits on emissions under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) by an additional 30 percent below 2020 levels by 2030.

“Governor Cuomo continues to bolster New York’s goals under ‘Reforming the Energy Vision,’ an unprecedented initiative to create a resilient clean energy system, which will require a mix of clean energy sources, and it is encouraging to see offshore wind will be one of them. The plan to close Indian Point will ensure that the electric system remains stable without increasing pollution and will secure the health and welfare of millions living and working in the Tri-State area. The Governor’s commitment under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will further reduce emissions, help New York achieve its goals of reducing pollution by 80 percent by 2050, and encourage states to follow suit.” 

         ●  Rory Christian, Director, New York Clean Energy, Environmental Defense Fund