Environment DEC
From the September 2008 issue
New Laws Designed to Spur Investment in Renewable Energy
Governor David A. Paterson recently signed legislation to expand the state's net metering laws to facilitate more net metering of electricity generated by solar, wind and farm-waste electric generating systems. The development of these technologies provides numerous environmental, economic and societal benefits by reducing New York State's use of fossil fuels, increasing our domestic energy sources, creating opportunities for new, high-tech companies to locate in the state and creating new green-collar jobs.
New York State has many sites that are suitable for windpower development.
"The generation of renewable energy and fuel sources has long been a priority of mine. In February, my Renewable Energy Task Force identified a roadmap to achieving greater deployment of renewable generation here in New York State," said Governor Paterson. "By signing these bills, and through the progressive vision of Senate and Assembly sponsors, New York is taking a major first step to begin aggressively competing on a national renewable-energy stage."
"There has never been a more important time than right now to significantly invest in renewable sources of energy. New York is home to an abundance of untapped solar, wind and farm-waste energy potential. These bills will help improve New York's air quality, curb our dependency on fossil fuel-based energy sources and create 'green' jobs, while simultaneously leading to greater investment by homeowners, farms and businesses in facilities that will generate renewable energy power and allow them to sell their excess power back to the grid."
Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Projects
Governor Paterson also signed bills dealing with tax abatement for construction of "green" roofs in New York City and tax abatement for solar electric generating systems in cities with populations of one million residents or more.
