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Andrew Cuomo on Energy & Oil

Democratic Governor

 


Green New Deal: help communities closing old power plants

We'll lead the way with the most aggressive environmental agenda, while the federal government taking us backwards from the Paris Accords. Let's take the next step on the Green New Deal. Let us set the goal: 100 percent clean power by 2040.

We have communities that are closing old, inefficient power plants. It causes a problem because they lose the property taxes from those old plants. We want those old plants closed, we want more efficient plants, but let's provide a fund that gives the communities the transition from the loss of that property tax revenue and that's a $70 million property tax compensation fund so those communities don't shoulder the burden themselves.

Source: 2019 State of the State address to the New York legislature , Jan 15, 2019

Increase commitment to green energy: 50% by 2030

One of the most effective programs to make our state cleaner and greener is the Environmental Protection Fund. I propose raising the Environmental Protection Fund to the highest level in history--$300 million. We previously set a goal that 50 percent of New York's energy must come from renewables by 2030. This year it's no longer a goal--it is now a requirement. Further, we will eliminate all use of coal in New York State by 2020.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature , Jan 13, 2016

Led multi-state effort to lower carbon emissions by 45%

Governor Cuomo led a multi-state effort to lower carbon emissions by 45 percent through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which also provided $340 over the past three years for clean energy measures, including $100 million to encourage community-driven smart growth and sustainability plans. Likewise, under Governor Cuomo's leadership, state facilities will lower their energy use by 20 percent, saving taxpayers $50-60 million per year and avoiding as much as 180,000 tons in greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Governor Cuomo also championed a landmark investment in the clean energy economy by launching a $1 billion NY Green Bank to stimulate private sector financing and to facilitate the financing of creditworthy clean-energy projects in New York State. In addition, the Governor guided another $1 billion through the NY-Sun initiative to promote the wide scale deployment of solar projects throughout the state.

Source: 2014 N. Y. gubernatorial campaign website, AndrewCuomo.com , Jul 2, 2014

New York Greenbank: $1 billion to spur the clean economy

The economy of tomorrow is the clean tech economy. We all know it, it's a foot race--whatever state, whatever region gets there first wins the prize, and we want it to be New York. We want to create the New York Greenbank, which is a $1 billion bank to leverage public dollars with private sector matched money to spur the clean economy. We want to extend the New York's sun solar jobs program at $150 million annually for 10 years to increase solar panel installations for home and business. It's good for the environment and it's good for the economy. We want to create the Charge New York program. This is the future, my friends, and we want to invest in an electric car network to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, installing a statewide network of charging stations and have New York be one of the forerunners in this race all across the country.
Source: 2013 State of the State Speech to NY Legislature , Jan 9, 2013

Lower carbon emissions via market-based cap-and-trade system

Governor Cuomo proposes to create a $1 billion NY Green Bank to leverage public dollars with a private-sector match to spur the clean economy. A NY Green Bank offers a cost-effective market mechanism to capitalize on this opportunity, unleashing green technologies and the many benefits that will come with them. The NY Green Bank staff would also serve a coordinating role to enhance the collective strength of all State clean energy programs, including those outside their immediate purview.

Our state has a track record of being at the forefront of environmental and energy policy innovations. Notable among them is the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which lowers carbon emissions through the use of a market-based cap-and-trade system. The NY Green Bank is another forward-looking way for our state to lead on energy policy and improve our residents' economic prospects and quality of life.

Source: NY Rising 2013 State of the State booklet , Jan 9, 2013

Focus more attention on exploiting our solar potential

Now it is time to focus more attention on exploiting our solar potential. But we need to do this in ways that protect the ratepayer. Solar power is still more expensive per megawatt hour to develop than other renewables. Therefore, we will greatly expand the state's solar programs, but as we do so we will keep an eye firmly on costs. We will increase competitive procurement of large, commercial-sized solar projects. And we will expand rebate programs for residential and commercial small-to-medium systems. In its first year, the NY-Sun Initiative will be capable of doubling the customer-sited photovoltaic capacity that was installed in 2011. By 2013, we estimate that NY-Sun will quadruple the 2011 capacity. We will continue to establish New York's technology leadership in this important emerging market while balancing investments in other renewable resources and protecting the taxpayer. This approach will create jobs, expand solar power, and protect ratepayers--a win, win, win.
Source: 2012 New York State of the State Address , Jan 4, 2012

Power for Jobs: use low cost hydropower

New York State produces a substantial amount of low cost hydropower through NYPA for the benefit of the public. While some of this power is used to reduce residential energy bills, the balance is used for economic development.

I will introduce a permanent Power for Jobs program, which ensures predictability and stability of supply with long-term contracts and incorporates efficiency incentives to reward such improvements.

Source: 2011 State of the State speech to New York legislature , Jan 5, 2011

Comprehensive study before exploring Marcellus Shale

As Governor, Andrew Cuomo will continue to be an environmental champion, by: