Energy/Climate Solutions
New York's Portfolio of Energy and Climate Programs
Since the science is clear that the earth's climate is changing because of human emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases (GHGs), New York State is building a portfolio of programs and policies aimed at reducing these emissions. Nearly nine-tenths of all GHGs come from burning fossil fuels to generate energy, so emission reduction programs must target the energy sector. As these programs develop, the state continues to monitor developments in climate science, in energy technology, and in our understanding of the economic impacts of climate change.
New York has initiated or participates in numerous programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy independence, energy efficiency and renewable energy. The following list shows key programs now underway. Links to further detail about these programs appear at the right side of this page.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Reduction
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) - New York is one of ten Northeastern and Middle Atlantic states participating in the RGGI cap and trade program. RGGI aims to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from electric power generating facilities (carbon dioxide, or CO2, is the principal greenhouse gas). The New York CO2 Budget Trading Program and the Auction Program took effect January 1, 2009, and three successful auctions of CO2 emissions allowances have been held. Auction proceeds will support investment of half a billion dollars in energy efficiency and clean technologies during the next 3 years in New York alone.
The Climate Registry - The Climate Registry is national nonprofit partnership that has established a common system, recognized by state and tribal governments, for recording and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. New York is a board member of the Registry. DEC is one of 21 New York State public and private organizations that have enrolled as Founding Reporters to The Climate Registry and have committed to inventory and report their emissions under the Registry's protocol.
Adoption of California Vehicle Emissions Standards - As the only state whose vehicle emissions standards preempt federal rules, California is entitled to set stricter standards than the nation as a whole and to receive a waiver from weaker federal standards. Once a rule has been adopted in California, other states seeking strict standards can adopt it as well. New York has adopted the most recent California standards, which would reduce GHG emissions from cars by 37 percent, and from light trucks 24 percent by 2016. However, the new standards are on hold because US EPA denied the waiver to California. New York hopes that the EPA will reconsider this decision soon, so that the stricter standards can take effect.
Regional Low-Carbon Fuel Standard - Market-based, technologically neutral emissions-performance standard under development by the RGGI participating states and the State of Pennsylvania that will reduce the carbon concentration in fuels used in vehicles and buildings and provide incentives for energy providers to use low-carbon fuels.
System Benefits Charge/New York Energy $mart Program - A System Benefits Charge is a charge on a consumer's bill from an energy utility. The proceeds fund public policy initiatives not expected to be adequately addressed by competitive electricity markets, such as promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, assisting low-income customers, encouraging research and development and protecting the environment. These initiatives are carried out through the New York Energy $mart Program, which is administered by NYSERDA.
Climate Smart Communities - A ten point pledge for municipalities to reduce GHG emissions, prepare for climate change, and invest in green economies. Launched February 2009, the Climate Smart Communities Pledge already has been adopted by nine New York communities. A total of more than 50 early movers have adopted the pledge, joined municipal climate protection groups or done both.
Office of Climate Change - The charge of the Office of Climate Change is to lead development of programs and policies that mitigate GHG emissions and help municipalities and individuals adapt to the effects of climate change. In addition to implementing RGGI, the office is developing the full suite of responses needed for significant emissions reductions and for successful adaptation to changing temperatures, sea levels, precipitation and other climate factors.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - This standard requires 25 percent of the state's electricity to be supplied from renewable energy sources by 2013, and provides financial incentives to support development of renewable energy sources. Governor Paterson has proposed raising the standard to 30 percent by 2015. The renewable energy portfolio standard has supported 28 large scale renewable projects (mostly wind) and approximately 330 customer-sited projects. New York is one of 27 states to use a renewable portfolio standard to drive a transition to renewable sources of electricity.
Green Buildings - DEC administers the Green Buildings Tax Credit Program, which provides state tax credits to owners and tenants of eligible buildings that meet certain "green" standards. Large commercial and residential buildings that meet these standards will have lower environmental impacts. DEC also provides information on building green. NYSERDA offers Green Building Services to building design teams, to help "green" new and rehabilitated commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.
Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (15 by 2015) - This state program has as its goal to reduce power demand 15 percent from forecasted levels by 2015, through energy efficiency. It includes eliminating a key conservation disincentive by decoupling utility profits from the amount of energy being consumed (this step is already underway); strengthening efficiency standards for appliances and buildings, and addressing New York's largest energy consumer, state government. When fully funded, this program is expected to provide more than $4 billion in benefits to customers, along with thousands of jobs to support energy efficiency programs, such as retrofitting outdated and inefficient residential, commercial and industrial properties and installing new energy efficient equipment.
Renewable Energy Task Force - The Task Force's 16 recommendations constitute a roadmap to significantly increase the use of renewable energy in New York. Recommendations include greater solar energy production, funding the state's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, and business incentives to attract renewable energy producers and expand the state's "green collar" workforce. A Vehicle Miles Traveled Task Force and a Biofuels Roadmap project will develop the recommendations further.
Net Metering - Several 2008 laws authorizes increased development of renewable energy, expanding net metering (which allows electricity customers with qualified renewable energy systems to sell excess electricity back to a local utility) to include larger solar installations, as well as electricity generated from wind and farm waste. The legislation also increases the maximum amount of energy that utilities are required to buy back through net metering.
Green and Clean State Buildings and Vehicles Guidelines (Executive Order No. 111) and State Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program (EO No. 4) - EO No. 111 requires state buildings to reduce energy consumption by 35 percent from 1990 levels by 2010, and mandates that state agencies select Energy Star-labeled products. Construction and renovations must follow Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building standards. EO No. 4 promotes the state purchase of environmentally-friendly commodities, services and technologies, as well as agency sustainability and stewardship programs.
Biofuels - EO No. 142 requires state agencies to phase in renewable heating and transportation fuels. The state is working to assess the environmental, social and health effects of biofuels and to develop a Biofuels Policy Road Map that will lay out a sound future for New York in this area.
Adaptation
New York State Sea Level Rise Task Force - The task force was created by the state Legislature in 2007 to assess impacts to the state's coastlines from sea level rise and to recommend protective and adaptive measures for coastal communities and natural habitats. The task force held its first meeting on June 27, 2008 and aims to produce a report of recommendations by December 31, 2009.
NYSERDA Adaptation Study - A joint study with Columbia University, Cornell University and Hunter College to investigate techniques to predict local effects of climate change and improve the resilience of natural and man-made resources.
More about Energy/Climate Solutions:
- Green Buildings - The environmental and economic benefits of green buildings and a summary of technical and financial assistance available for green building projects.
