Trump’s (R) Quashing of Offshore Wind projects, on top of rising Costs for New Renewables, Affordability Concerns, and Growing Electricity demand, have put New York’s 2030 Target for 70% Renewables out of reach.
But the State’s Public Service Commission, which is responsible for achieving the Goal, Declined to make that Official Thursday.
Instead, the Commission tweaked current Policies and Kicked-Off a wholesale Review of the State’s Renewable Energy Development Efforts, acknowledging the Status-Quo hasn’t Succeeded.
“We have a wide array of challenges we need to overcome,” Public Service Commission Chair Rory Christian said at Today’s Commission Meeting. “The dynamic realities of project development has shown us that we are taking what I view to be a measured approach towards putting ourselves in a position to meet those goals.”
Trump’s Election and the Sharp Pivot in Federal Policy on Renewables have made Achieving Decarbonization Goals a far Heavier lift, with the State and its Residents likely Paying More for the Up-Front Investments needed.
Environmental Advocates have pushed for more Aggressive Action, but Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has been increasingly Focused on Voters’ Cost-of-Living worries and has Repeatedly raised Concerns about Rising Utility Bills in recent Months.
None of the Commission’s Actions today will Significantly Close the Shortfall in Meeting the 70% Goal on time. The Order does Boost the Amount of Onshore Renewables the State will Procure each year, extending that Program through 2029.
The Commission's New Order sets-up Additional Battles over how to Achieve the State’s Goals. It calls for more Discussion about Utility Ownership of Generation and Future Subsidies for existing Nuclear Power Plants. In addition, the Order requires a Wholesale Review of the Longstanding Procurement Mechanism New York has, Unsuccessfully, relied on to Achieve its Renewable Goals.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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