Next steps for 100% Renewables Now NY – Please volunteer
Break Free from Fossil Fuels in Albany on May 14
Building Support for 100% clean energy at the local level
State Makes $150 Million available for Large Scale Renewable Projects
Constitution Pipeline Continues to Fight for Approval Despite Denial of Water Certificate
Talking Points for Clean Energy Standards
Next steps for 100% Renewables Now NY – Please volunteer
The campaign is planning an open conference call for all those interested in the campaign for 100% clean energy and to discuss next steps. Doodle poll for the date and time http://doodle.com/poll/6h4b7637m8mppmpd
Break Free from Fossil Fuels in Albany on May 14
Break Free was initiated by 350 and Greenpeace to be a worldwide game changer in the fight on climate change by elevating direct action, underscoring the need for immediate action. From 7–15 May, 2016 350.org and other climate change groups are mobilizing to keep fossil fuels in the ground and accelerate a just transition to 100% renewable energy and a sustainable future for all. Disruptive actions – including nonviolent civil disobedience – are being planned at locations all over the world.
In the northeast the major event will be in Albany on Saturday May 14, targeting the oil bomb trains that come into Albany. Buses will be organized from around the northeast, including NYC. For More details, http://www.albany2016.org/
After the Climate Summit in Paris we need to redouble efforts to end the use of destructive fossil fuels and choose a clean and just energy future. This May we hope to see more people than ever commit to joining actions that disrupt the industry’s power by targeting the world’s most dangerous and unnecessary fossil fuel projects, and supporting the most ambitious climate solutions.
Building Support for 100% clean energy at the local level
PCM NY is working to push the de Blasio administration on OSW and 100% clean energy. Had 100 people at a press conference at City Hall on Earth Day, with some good media coverage. Rochester also has a similar campaign. We need to develop more local campaigns in support of 100% renewable energy, starting with the major cities.
State Makes $150 Million available for Large Scale Renewable Projects
Governor Cuomo announced that $150 million in funding is available to support large-scale renewable energy projects across the state. This $150 million competitive solicitation supports significant private investment in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, fuel cells, biomass, renewable biogas and upgrades to hydropower projects. Contracts will be awarded for a term of up to 20 years. More information about the solicitation process is available at nyserda.ny.gov/rfp3257.
Constitution Pipeline Plans to Keep Fighting Despite Denial of Water Certificate
Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC announced today that it remains steadfastly committed to pursuing the federally-approved energy infrastructure project, despite the recent decision by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to deny the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the Constitution Pipeline Project.
Talking Points for Clean Energy Standards
We want as many climate change activists as possible to testify at the upcoming PSC hearings to establish the goals for utilities to increase renewable energy. Unfortunately, the goals articulated so far by the Cuomo administration lock us into catastrophic climate change. And the measures proposed by the Governor in related initiatives such as the Clean Energy Fund don’t come close of even achieving the limited goals. The Governor continues to rely on the same market forces that caused climate change to solve it by tweaking a few of the “inputs.” Stand up for effective climate action, not bandaids.
The Clean Energy Standard must:
- Support the Goal of 100% Clean Energy by 2030
We urge the PSC to upgrade the proposed Clean Energy Standards to reflect that world leaders in Paris at COP 21 recognized that the existing goal of capping global warming at 2 degrees Celsius would result in catastrophic climate change for much of the planet. This 2 degrees goal is the one reflected in the proposed CES.
Instead, the developing countries and others were successful in convincing the US to set a goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degree centigrade. The goal of 50% renewable for electricity by 2030 would fail to achieve the goal of capping warming at 1.5 degree centigrade. The goal of 1.5 degrees cap requires annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 7 to 9% annually, far greater than what is called for under the CES.
We advocate that the CES be amended to support 100% renewable energy by 2030. We also urge the adoption of annual goals for the development of renewable energy through 2030.
At a minimum, we urge the DPS to conduct a scientific analysis to determine whether the proposed Clean Energy Standards are consistent with the new lower goals adopted in Paris and whether they are adequate to avoid catastrophic climate change.
- Be Enforceable.
New York needs an enforceable Clean Energy Standard that establishes yearly targets for utilities and public energy authorities to purchase renewable each year. The Clean Energy Standard should be enforced through “Alternative Compliance Payments” which requires utilities to pay if they fail to purchase enough renewable energy to achieve the yearly target, That money should then be used by the state to invest in renewable energy
- Include Offshore Wind. 5,000 MW PPA 2025, 10,000 MW 2030
Offshore wind is poised to take off in New York, but we need a long-term, large-scale commitment to unlock its massive potential as a renewable energy source. An offshore wind tier would help launch an entirely new industry, with the capacity to power millions of homes, stabilize energy costs, foster locational diversity for renewable energy development, produce millions of dollars in economic investments, spur new economic development and manufacturing opportunities, and create tens of thousands of new jobs statewide.
The State should commit to a program to support the construction of 5,000 MW of offshore wind by 2025, and 10,000 MW by 2030, through a program that obligates utilities, NYPA, and LIPA to enter into a series of PPAs to purchase energy from offshore wind projects. The State should also support the development of offshore wind projects through site assessments, environmental reviews, and collaboration with federal agencies to facilitate the designation of new Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) and leasing of the WEAs.
- Include mandatory energy efficiency targets.
As we increase the amount of renewable energy we produce, we also need to decrease the overall quantity of energy we consume. Energy efficiency is often the cheapest means of cutting climate pollution, and strong energy efficiency target will help save ratepayers money while protecting our environment
- Apply to the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA).
The Clean Energy Standards should apply to all utilities and power authorities, as well as other electricity suppliers. LIPA and NYPA make up more than 20% of the electricity used in New York State and their participation is key to ensuring the development of renewable energy. .
- Not Include Nuclear Energy.
Nuclear energy is neither clean nor renewable and therefore should be kept completely separate from the Clean Energy Standard. Under no circumstances should nuclear energy be counted toward the State’s renewable energy requirement, nor should any funds for renewable energy be diverted to support New York’s failing nuclear plants.
- Promote Diverse Clean, Renewable Technologies.
The CES should not be a route to merely importing renewable energy from other states, but should lead to economic development within our state.
Dates for Clean Energy Standard Hearings
Plattsburgh Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Town of Plattsburgh
Town Hall
151 Banker Road
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
2:00 PM Information Session
3:00 PM Public Statement Hearing
6:00 PM Information Session
7:00 PM Public Statement Hearing
Oswego Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Oswego City Hall
13 West Oneida Street
Oswego, NY 13126
2:00 PM Information Session
3:00 PM Public Statement Hearing
6:00 PM Information Session
7:00 PM Public Statement Hearing
Syracuse Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Carman Community Room
Liverpool Public Library
310 Tulip Street
Liverpool, NY 13088
2:00 PM Information Session
3:00 PM Public Statement Hearing
6:00 PM Information Session
7:00 PM Public Statement Hearing
Kingston Thursday, May 26, 2016
Kingston City Hall
Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
420 Broadway
Kingston, NY 12401
2:00 PM Information Session
3:00 PM Public Statement Hearing
6:00 PM Information Session
7:00 PM Public Statement Hearing
Manhattan Tuesday, May 31, 2016
New York State Public Service Commission
Boardroom, 4th Floor
90 Church Street
New York, New York 10007
2:00 PM Information Session
3:00 PM Public Statement Hearing
6:00 PM Information Session
7:00 PM Public Statement Hearing