Renewable Energy

New York State has great potential to generate power from renewable sources. By obtaining energy from renewable sources, rather than from fossil fuel, we can conserve energy, cut our dependence on foreign oil, reduce air pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Photo of wind turbines on a wind farm
Energy from wind farms will help

New York meet its renewable energy goals

Here you will find information on what DEC and agencies in New York State are doing to develop and promote different types of renewable energy sources
By embracing renewable energy along with energy conservation practices, New Yorkers can ensure a reliable energy supply for the future.

Renewable Energy Task Force and Plan

The Renewable Energy Task Force recently issued its first report, with recommendations for 16 groups of actions integral to a comprehensive policy roadmap to move New York towards greater renewable energy development and greater energy independence.will work to attract clean-energy industries to New York State.

Elements of the Plan:

Reducing electric use by 15 percent from forecasted levels by the year 2015
Creating new appliance-efficiency standards
More rigorous energy related building codes
Investing millions in renewable-energy projects throughout the state
An expedited review process for new wind-power projects and other power plants that emit very low levels of carbon dioxide

Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)

Photo of a photovoltaic array on a roof
The RPS goal is to increase energy generated

from renewable sources to 25% by 2013

This standard was implemented by New York State 2004 to promote the research, development and use of alternative energy. Its goal is to increase the proportion of renewable electricity used by New Yorkers to at least 25% by the year 2013. Renewable energy sources include wind, hydroelectric, solar and biofuels.

More about Renewable Energy:

Solar Energy - Information on incentives for solar energy installations and programs for educating children about solar energy
Water and Tidal Power - Information on hydropower and energy generated by tidal action
Biofuels - Information on woody biomass, biodiesel and using other waste products for energy.
Geothermal Energy - Using the temperature of the earth to heat and cool

Wind Power - Wind energy development is an important component of New York's clean renewable energy initiative as well as the state's ability to achieve the Renewable Portfolio Standard of 25% of energy to be produced from renewable sources by the year 2013.