New York's Climate Law: How Do We Move Forward?

The electric system that supplies our energy needs is undergoing a transition. In 2019, New York enacted on one of the nation’s most ambitious climate laws – the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or CLCPA – to drastically lower emissions and fundamentally change not only the electric grid and natural gas system but also all of the ways in which we use energy. The law brings about benefits and also potential challenges with system reliability, technical feasibility and energy affordability.

Complete Panel Discussion

This video features a panel of leading New York specialists discussing these issues and providing their views on how we can move forward. The panelists are Ken Pokalsky, Vice President of the Business Council of New York, representing businesses and industries throughout the state; Gavin Donahue, President and CEO of the Independent Power Producers of New York, which is a trade association representing companies in the competitive power supply industry in the state; and Anthony Campagiorni, Senior Vice President of Customer Services and Gas Operations at Central Hudson.

You may view the entire video (approximately 60 minutes), or view topical segments (2 to 6 minutes each) as listed below.

 


Topical Segments

1: Intro to the CLCPA

Introduction, brief review and intended outcomes of the Climate Leadership and Citizens Protection Act.
(3:01)

2: Business Impacts

How do businesses, industries and other organizations perceive these upcoming changes?
(2:20)

3: Roles of Energy Providers

What are the roles of utilities, regulators and power plant operators in implementing the law?
(6:10)

4: Renewable Present & Future

How much renewable energy is utilized in New York and how much more is needed under the law? 
(2:19)

5: Transmission Needs

Is the existing electric transmission system capable of carrying power to the downstate load centers, and if not what must be done?
(2:23)

6: Accomodating Electrification

What must be done to accommodate growth in energy use as a result of electrification of heating, transportation, etc.?
(3:28)

7: California

What lessons can we learn from California’s experience as a result of their energy transition efforts?
(3:11)

8: Reliability

How important is electric reliability and resource adequacy to business and residents in New York?
(5:13)

9: Rising Costs

What are the factors contributing to rising energy costs?
(5:08)

10: Next Steps

What are the next steps following completion of the CLCPA Scoping Plan? 
(3:47)

11: Social Justice

Discussion of the important social justice aspects of the CLCPA.
(3:49)

12: Public Power

What is Public Power and is this capable of helping to achieve the goals of the CLCPA? 
(2:49)

13: Progress Report

What progress has already been achieved in reducing emissions from various sectors?
(5:20)

14: Wrapping Up

How do we move forward to reduce emissions while maintaining system reliability and energy affordability?
(3:48)