Business representative claims NY will not achieve climate change goals due to ‘asinine’ green energy law

Business representative claims NY will not achieve climate change goals due to ‘asinine’ green energy law

New York’s ambitious climate change law, known as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019, has come under fire from a top state business advocate. Paul Zuber, senior vice president at the NYS Business Council, criticized the law during an interview on WABC 77 radio’s “The Cats Roundtable” program, calling it “asinine” and claiming that New York will not be able to meet the goals required by the statute.

The law sets targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 40% reduction by 2030 and an 85% reduction by 2050 from 1990 levels. Additionally, the law aims to achieve 70% non-fossil fuel, non-carbon renewable energy by 2030. However, Zuber argues that these goals are unrealistic and could result in skyrocketing electrical costs for consumers.

Zuber points to the recent cancellation of three offshore wind projects as evidence that the law is impractical. He believes that New York is relying too heavily on wind and solar power and should instead diversify its energy portfolio to include nuclear energy and natural gas. Zuber argues that relying solely on wind and solar power is not feasible and will lead to increased costs for consumers as utilities have to invest in building transmission lines for renewable projects.

The cancellation of the offshore wind projects has also raised concerns about the impact on meeting the law’s targets. Zuber warns that without modifications, the law could drive residents and businesses out of New York due to the high energy costs associated with building the necessary infrastructure for renewable projects.

Critics of the law, including Ken Girardin from the Empire Center for Public Policy, argue that the renewable energy targets are unattainable and could harm upstate manufacturing. Girardin published a study claiming that the true costs of complying with the law are being underestimated.

Despite the criticism, Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration defends the implementation of the climate change law. They highlight that nearly 60% of the state’s power generation mix now comes from clean energy sources, including hydropower, wind, and solar. Hochul’s office argues that the law is necessary to protect New Yorkers and emphasizes the investment in energy affordability initiatives.

Environmental advocates also support the law and accuse the NYS Business Council of representing the interests of the fossil fuel industry. They argue that transitioning to renewable energy is crucial for the health and safety of communities and the economy.

While offshore wind projects may face setbacks, some experts believe they will get back on track. However, the decommissioning of the Indian Point nuclear plant in Westchester is seen as a misstep by the state, as it provided a significant portion of New York City’s power.

In conclusion, New York’s climate change law has received criticism from a business representative who claims that the goals set by the law are unattainable and will result in increased energy costs for consumers. However, supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to transition to renewable energy for the well-being of communities and the economy. The cancellation of offshore wind projects and the decommissioning of a nuclear plant have raised concerns about meeting the law’s targets.