New York Senate Republicans Introduce Bill to Delay Renewable Energy Transition

New York Senate Republicans introduced a bill Friday that would delay the state’s mandatory renewable energy transition mandates, coming as the state has already fallen short of its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

The proposed regulations would delay deadlines set in the state’s 2019 climate law, which mandates a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The bill would delay that mandate for 10 years and require a major study of its costs. It also includes more tax breaks for home solar and hydroelectric plants.

Other parts of the legislation would prevent the state from closing power plants before new facilities come online and would require the state to invest in “alternative energy” options, including studying the feasibility of reopening plants. Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant.

“It has become clear that the current strategy is not realistic or achievable,” state Sen. Tom O’Mara, who represents parts of the Southern Tier, said in a statement unveiling the new legislation. “Senate Republicans are putting forward a clean energy strategy that focuses on affordability, feasibility and reliability.”

State reports from July show that New York misses key fossil fuel transition goalsAfter those findings were made public, Gov. Kathy Hochul suggested she might change the timeline of the climate bill, saying in interview that the state will likely miss its energy transition commitments by several years.

The effects of climate change are being felt throughout New York, more intense storms, floodAND heat waves.

The Department of Environmental Protection predicts that if immediate action is not taken, the negative impacts will become more severe.