Emily Pomilio (480) 286-0401, emily.pomilio@sierraclub.org
Albany, N.Y.— The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) signed a finalized regulation today that will fully eliminate coal in New York by 2020. This regulation, years in the making and overwhelmingly supported by the public, is the first of its kind in the nation. The removal of coal-fired power is a critical step for the state to reach its goal of a 100 percent greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the electric sector by 2040.
Additionally, the regulation creates a responsible framework for Governor Cuomo to meet his commitment of phasing out all coal by 2020, while ensuring safe, reliable and affordable power. This safeguard also provides a critical backstop - preventing the state’s dirtiest power plants from coming back online once they have already been retired. The regulation is coupled with a statewide framework that provides a glidepath for communities and workers impacted by this transition.
This regulation was adopted with the support of thousands of New Yorkers across the state through years of public demand to protect New York’s air and water from the dirty toxins and pollutants that come from unnecessary coal plants and to urge New York’s leaders to act on climate.
In response to the announcement, elected officials and organizations provided the following comments:
“New York is leading the nation by finalizing the first of its kind regulation that will fully phase all coal out of the state by 2020. Governor Cuomo has demonstrated to the country and the world that it is possible to curb climate pollution and protect public health while building a 21st century, renewable energy economy,” Lisa Dix, New York Senior Representative for the Sierra Club said. “Limiting the most polluting power plants is key to making sure New York hits our goal of reducing climate pollution 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. It will also protect New York’s air, water and public health by eliminating some of the state’s largest polluters. We look forward to working with the Governor to build out a long term, well funded just transition framework that will help the state provide a necessary glidepath for communities and workers as New York fully phases out all fossil fuels and achieves full electric sector decarbonization by 2040. ”
"Banning coal combats climate change and improves air quality for all New Yorkers," Patrick McClellan, State Policy Director of the New York League of Conservation Voters said. "Coal power is an outdated technology that the world needs to rapidly stop using, and we are excited that New York is leading the way. As the White House continues to roll back environmental protections and leaves Americans at risk, Governor Cuomo continues to be a national leader on climate change and clean energy."
"The regulations New York adopted will mean that the state will soon be free from coal-fired power plants and the pollution they spew. And good riddance," Conor Bambrick, Air & Energy Director for Environmental Advocates of New York said. "Burning coal has no place in a clean and healthy future, and soon burning coal will have no place in New York. Our lungs and our climate will be much better off because of this move.”
"Making our state coal-free by next year is the kind of bold, urgent action the world needs to win the fight against climate change,” said Kit Kennedy, Senior Director, Climate and Clean Energy. “Governor Cuomo is leading the charge against the dirty fossil fuels of the past while accelerating New York’s transition to a clean energy future, and ensuring that workers and communities are part this progress. At the same time, banning coal will help protect the air we breathe, water we drink and the health of New Yorkers statewide."
"Fossil Free Tompkins has been fighting for the closure of the coal burning Cayuga Power Plant for many years," Irene Weiser, coordinator of Fossil Free Tompkins and Councilmember in the Town of Caroline said. "We are so thankful for the DEC's finalized rules and we look forward to the day that this dangerous, old, inefficient plant is shuttered for good, and the property is instead used to generate clean, renewable energy."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.