New York’s climate blueprint lays out path to zero emissions, fossil fuel-free future

ALBANY — New York’s Climate Action Council voted Monday to approve a scoping plan that will serve as a blueprint for the state to make good on its ambitious climate goals, ramp up renewable energy and curb pollution.

The sweeping plan includes recommendations that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help transition to electric vehicles and buildings, secure climate justice, and advance New York’s commitment to ensuring carbon neutrality by 2050 as laid out in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

“It’s the most comprehensive document for any state as it charts a path forward on addressing the climate crisis,” said Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner Basil Seggos. “This meets our greenhouse gas emission requirements and electrifies our state, reduces air pollution, creating healthier communities and will literally save lives.”

The 22-member council voted 19-3 in favor of the final plan, which outlines steps for nearly all sectors of the economy to transition away from fossil fuels and calls for an end to new gas hookups for homes and buildings, switching to all-electric car sales and putting the state on a path toward achieving a zero emissions power grid by 2040.

Environmental groups were split on the plan, praising its focus on justice and equity for communities disproportionately impacted by polluters while arguing it does not go far enough to end the state’s reliance on fossil fuels fast enough.

Some criticized recent changes to the plan that allow fuels like nuclear, hydrogen and so-called “renewable natural gas” or factory farm biogas to qualify as clean energy.

“The Climate Action Council’s scoping plan reiterates the compelling case that New York must take swift, drastic action to end the era of fossil fuels immediately,” Food & Water Watch northeast region director Alex Beauchamp said in a statement. “But eleventh hour changes jeopardize this critical goal, allowing industry scams like hydrogen and factory farm gas to undermine emissions reductions and unnecessarily lengthening the timeline to get off gas in new buildings.”

As outlined by the CLCPA, the panel was convened to find ways to steer the state toward achieving 70% renewable energy by 2030; 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040; a 40% reduction in statewide greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030, an 85% reduction from 1990 levels by 2050; and net-zero emissions statewide by 2050.

The framework, which includes plans for federal partnerships, incentives to encourage businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and job training to help workers adapt and transition to new fields, will be submitted to Gov. Hochul and the Democrat-led Legislature on Jan. 1.

The council was co-chaired by Seggos and Doreen Harris, president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

“Today is certainly a day to celebrate, but this also marks the beginning of more significant work to come as we forge the path ahead and lead by example on how to transition an economy based on the conventional energy practices of yesterday to the thriving green economy of tomorrow,” Harris said.

Some critics, including Republican lawmakers, expressed concerns about relying on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar and argue that retrofitting older buildings and homes will be an economic burden for most New Yorkers.

“No one questions the need for responsible energy policy that includes clean and renewable power sources in the future. But this plan simply isn’t based in reality,” said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Oswego). “What has been presented disregards the unprecedented costs needed to implement these changes and what consumers are going to be forced to pay at a time when affordability concerns have never been higher.”