ALBANY – The State Public Service Commission Monday approved the state’s Clean Energy Standard aimed at fighting climate change, reducing harmful air pollution, and ensuring a diverse and reliable energy supply.
The Clean Energy Standard will require 50 percent of New York’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2030, with a phase in schedule over the next several years.
The Standard will reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and prevent backsliding on progress made to date by maintaining the operation of carbon-free nuclear power plants.
The director of New York AREA, the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance, a pro-nuclear group, Rob DiFrancesco, applauded the decision and its implications for Indian Point.
“The PSC, by issuing this order [Monday] is saying that nuclear power is, in fact, clean energy. It emits zero carbon, and Indian Point specifically is a great source of jobs and energy for our region, all without emitting carbon,” he said.
DiFrancesco said given the new Standard, the state should withdraw its objection to the relicensing of Indian Point.
Peter Iwanowicz, executive director of Environmental Advocates of New York, said the Standard “moves us down the path towards clean, renewable energy by taking the promise of getting half of our electricity from clean, renewable sources by 2030, and requiring companies to get there.”
But, Darren Suarez, director of government affairs for The Business Council of New York State, said the PSC “failed to properly evaluate the significant costs associated with the Clean Energy Standard.” He said that will cost businesses in the state “billions of dollars and put current and future New York manufacturing jobs in other energy-intensive sectors, in mortal danger.”
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