New York’s Ambitious Clean Energy Goals Get a Boost from Gov. Cuomo

(NEW YORK, NY) In his annual State of the State, Gov. Andrew Cuomo today unveiled New York’s 2018 clean energy agenda, which builds on the state’s legacy of climate progress and innovation. Gov. Cuomo’s proposal aims to invest $200 million in 1,500 megawatts of energy storage by 2025 and employ 30,000 New Yorkers to meet this target; develop 800 megawatts of offshore wind to power 400,000 New York homes by 2030; implement congestion pricing, which will reduce traffic, cut pollution, and fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to alleviate millions of subway riders; adopt regulations that will end the use of coal in New York’s power plants by 2020; and reduce the energy burden of low-income households by creating a zero-cost community solar program for 10,000 New Yorkers.

“As Washington pulls us backward, Governor Cuomo’s environmental commitments show states and cities can lead the way on climate progress solutions. This plan advances energy regulatory reform efforts already underway, offers cost-effective ways to deploy clean technologies using a mix of private and public investment, and endorses congestion pricing to support transit and cut traffic pollution.”

• Andy Darrell, New York Regional Director, Environmental Defense Fund