The New York State Energy Planning Board has approved and released a long-term and long-delayed state energy plan that includes, among other matters, various initiatives designed to spur investment in and development of renewable and alternative energy. Most notably, the plan establishes a $1 billion Green Bank that will utilize private sector investment in renewables, calls for a reduction in carbon emissions of 50% by 2030 and requires amended building codes to increase energy efficiency. Funds allocated to energy investment and development will be put into the expansion of solar, wind, bioenergy, geothermal and hydrokinetic energy sources.
The plan also calls for New York's energy grid to be updated to withstand extreme weather events and allow more customers to operate off the grid in the event of its failure. Further, there is a specific focus on expanding clean energy technology to increase efficiency and access to renewables. The plan calls for "expanding access to natural gas" and a reduced reliance on high-emissions petroleum; however, it conspicuously leaves out any mention of fracking.
The plan is now open for 60 days of public comment and is expected to be approved in the spring of 2014.
The plan itself and related documents can be found at the following link: http://energyplan.ny.gov/Plans/2014.aspx
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