Successful Programs to Support Renewable Energy

 

In the past few months, New York State has taken some of the strongest action in the nation to promote the growth of renewable energy. On August 1, the Public Service Commission (PSC) issued its Order Adopting a Clean Energy Standard, which mandates that 50% of New York’s electricity be obtained from renewable energy sources by the year 2030. The order provides a mechanism to implement the existing renewable energy goal mentioned in the 2015 NY Energy Plan by setting yearly quotas for utilities with penalties if they fail to meet those targets.

 

The potential for a sustainable, renewable energy economy in New York looms large, yet the state must still set interim Clean Energy Standard targets for renewable energy for 2017-2020. 

 

Then in September, NYSERDA proposed its “Blueprint for the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan”, with the end of 2017 as a completion target. The proposed Master Plan mentions that New York State has 39 Gigawatts (GW), of wind-driven energy potential off the Atlantic Coast – enough to power approximately 15 million homes.

 

Moreover, the success of the Blueprint for Offshore Wind depends in large part on input from Long Island and NYC residents, businesses and local governments in favor of renewables and offshore wind development.

 

This is an important time for our grassroots Atlantic Chapter members to demonstrate the desire of citizens and local governments for renewable energy development. East Hampton, Long Island, is an important example. Several years ago the town passed a resolution that 100% of its electricity should be obtained from renewable energy sources by the year 2020. Last year’s announcement by Mayor Bill de Blasio that New York City was committed to powering all of its governmental buildings and facilities from renewable energy also provided major support for the Clean Energy Standard and Offshore Wind Plans.

 

Another important local action supporting renewable energy is the City of Ithaca’s actual implementation of its plan to procure renewable energy for its electricity needs for all its governmental facilities and operations. After the plan’s adoption, Ithaca’s goal was met through installations of renewable energy units, the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) by the city and the signing of municipal contracts with private utilities to supply the balance of its 100% renewable electricity. 

 

Action by Sierra Club members at a local level to promote initiatives similar to East Hampton, New York City, and Ithaca for their energy future could be a crucial factor in speeding the rapid deployment of renewable energy in our state. Every local action demonstrates to our State and local officials and utilities that citizens and municipalities are committed to renewable energy.

 

Our Chapter website has information on the Ready for 100 Sierra Club program. It helps members urge municipalities to adopt tailor-made goals for renewable energy. The Sierra Club New Hampshire Upper Valley Group is working to educate citizens of Hanover, NH, including Dartmouth College, concerning renewable energy potential. The Group’s goal is for Hanover to have 100% of its electricity supplied from renewable sources by 2025, and for all energy sectors to be powered by renewables by 2050.

 

There are also other programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase efficiency and develop renewable energy, such as the International Compact of Mayors Agreement signed by the cities of Rochester, Albany and New York City. Significantly, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has developed a comprehensive Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program, with support from the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Many localities throughout NYS have signed the pledge to become CSCs, including acting to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This August Governor Cuomo announced the launch of the NYSERDA’s $16 million Clean Energy Communities grant program to help local governments reduce energy consumption and increase the use of renewable energy.

 

If you or your local Sierra Club Group is interested in promoting 100% renewable energy  in your community, please contact the Atlantic Chapter through the author, Bob Ciesielski at rmciesie@yahoo.com or Susan Lawrence at shlawr2@aol.com. We will work with you to help your municipality resolve to implement renewable energy goals.