SC New York News

Senator O'Mara offers his weekly perspective on many of the key challenges and issues facing the Legislature, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state programs and policies. This week, he discusses the upcoming "Future Energy Economy Summit" in Syracuse convened by Governor Kathy Hochul.

Governor Hochul's two-day summit aims to address New York State's energy future amidst growing doubts about the current approach established under the Climate Leadership and Protection Act (CLCPA) of 2019. The state's Climate Action Council (CAC), formed through the CLCPA, released its action report in December 2022.

Senator O'Mara criticized the lack of a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis for implementing these mandates. He questioned their affordability, feasibility, and reliability for ratepayers, taxpayers, business organizations, and local economies.

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), responsible for managing electricity supply and transmission across New York State, issued a report titled "2021-2040 System & Resource Outlook." The report warned of potential reliability shortfalls due to CLCPA requirements. NYISO projected that the state's electric grid would need to triple its current generating capacity by 2042. This includes between 20 GW and 47 GW of Dispatchable Emissions-Free Resources (DEFRs), a source not yet developed.

NYISO's report indicated that New York is currently losing ground in energy production. From September 1999 to September 2022, only 13 GW of new energy production was developed while deactivating 4.8 GW over five years resulted in a net loss of over 2 GW.

In July, a report from Governor Hochul's administration admitted that achieving 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and zero emissions by 2040 isn't realistic with current technologies. Later that month, NYISO reiterated warnings about potential blackouts without significant new generation before mid-next decade.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's audit further questioned the affordability and feasibility of Democrats' climate agenda. Consequently, Governor Hochul convenes this week's summit to potentially reassess CLCPA timelines and mandates.

Senator O'Mara expressed hope for an honest public discussion on New York's energy strategy. He highlighted proposals from the Senate Republican Conference aimed at refocusing on affordability, feasibility, and reliability:

- Delay CLCPA mandates by ten years.

- Create the "Ratepayer Relief Act" to determine actual costs.

- Prevent closure of power generation facilities before new ones come online.

- Study feasibility of reopening Indian Point nuclear plant.

- Establish a commission to evaluate grid electrification impacts during extreme winter weather.

- Create tax credits for underserved areas to build natural gas infrastructure.

- Prohibit state-mandated purchases of only electric cars by 2035 and electric school buses by 2027.

- Establish a hydrogen vehicle task force.

Since CLCPA’s approval in 2019, Senator O'Mara argued that Albany Democrats have imposed numerous unaffordable mandates aiming for zero-emissions economy with minimal global impact but high costs for various stakeholders.

Senator O'Mara hopes this week's summit will lead to a straightforward reassessment of New York’s current energy strategy.