Senator Helming Advocates to State Energy Planning Board for Realistic, Affordable Energy Solutions – The New York State Senate

The State Energy Planning Board Begins Process of Updating New York’s Energy Plan

The State Energy Planning Board has recently initiated the process of updating New York’s energy plan in order to facilitate a smooth transition towards clean energy. Senator Helming has expressed her recommendations and concerns to the board in a letter. These recommendations and concerns primarily revolve around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their implications for the state’s energy sector.

Key Recommendations and Concerns

1. Reliability of the Electric Grid: Senator Helming emphasizes the need for the energy plan to address the reliability of the electric grid. Ensuring a stable and resilient grid is crucial for meeting the SDGs and achieving sustainable energy goals.
2. Readiness of Alternative Energy Sources and Infrastructure: The senator highlights the importance of evaluating the readiness of alternative energy sources and the supporting infrastructure. This assessment is essential to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of transitioning to clean energy.
3. Impact on Housing and Economic Development: Senator Helming raises concerns about the potential impact of the energy plan on housing and economic development. It is crucial to consider the implications of clean energy transition on these sectors to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity.
4. Cost to Ratepayers, Businesses, and Schools: The senator emphasizes the need to thoroughly assess the cost implications of implementing the Clean Energy Standard and other mandates outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). It is essential to ensure that the transition to clean energy remains affordable for ratepayers, businesses, and schools.

Senator Helming’s Perspective

Senator Helming emphasizes the importance of the Energy Plan providing an honest review of the CLCPA goals. It should thoroughly examine the true costs associated with CLCPA mandates and consider their potential impact on energy affordability, grid resiliency, economic opportunity, and consumer choice. The senator suggests that if the cost of implementing CLCPA mandates proves to be prohibitive or if alternative energy sources and technologies are not sufficiently developed, the Energy Plan should recommend delaying these mandates.

Senator Helming’s letter to the New York State Energy Planning Board is attached above.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
• SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned in the article. However, potential indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets may include:

• Percentage increase in renewable energy generation
• Investment in clean energy infrastructure
• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
• Improvement in energy affordability and accessibility
• Reduction in the environmental impact of cities

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nysenate.gov