Transmission policies key for achieving NY’s broader clean energy goals
ALBANY, NY— Today, the New York legislature passed a state budget which included transmission policies that should help the state meet its clean energy goals. National business association Advanced Energy United highlighted how the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment (RAPID) Act could help streamline and improve transmission project siting, via shifting oversight of those projects to the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES), and shifting ORES to the Department of Public Service.
“Transmission infrastructure build-out is crucial for the State’s clean energy transition, and addressing permitting issues will help New York advance the grid of tomorrow,” said Kristina Persaud, New York State Lead for Advanced Energy United. “We thank the Governor and Legislature for their leadership in including the RAPID Act in the budget.”
The RAPID Act would do for transmission what New York already does for renewables, providing a one-stop-shop for permitting through ORES. A streamlined siting process, with clear deadlines for making permitting decisions, could expedite the construction of major transmission projects.
Meanwhile, the Affordable Gas Transition Act, a suite of cost-saving measures proposed by Governor Hochul in her state budget, was omitted from the final deal despite its alignment with the state's CLCPA goals and projected benefits for New Yorkers. The 100-foot rule, which forces expansion of New York’s fossil fuel pipeline system, alone is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
“In failing to include the Affordable Gas Transition Act in the budget, lawmakers missed an opportunity to protect New Yorkers from the rising energy costs of outdated and unnecessary fossil fuel infrastructure,” added Persaud. “Advanced Energy United looks forward to continuing to work with legislators to push policies across the finish line this session that help New Yorkers access once-in-a-generation energy efficiency and electrification incentive programs, as well as other key policies within the Affordable Gas Transition Act.”
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