New York lags behind on renewable energy target

New York City is set to boost renewable energy production in the coming years but is unlikely to meet a key climate goal, according to an official analysis released last week.

A state climate law passed in 2019 mandates that 70% of New York’s electricity come from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2030, which would significantly help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

But by the end of the decade, New York will likely generate only enough renewable energy to meet about 45% of its electricity needs, well below its commitment, according to an analysis by the Department of Public Utilities and the state energy agency.

The two-year review explains that the gap is partly due to increased demand for electricity as more cars and appliances no longer run on gas, as well as the cancellation of some offshore wind and other large-scale renewable projects. It reflects the challenges the renewable energy industry has faced across the country in recent years, amid inflation and supply chain difficulties.

The report outlines a path to rapidly ramp up renewable energy production to get the state back on track, primarily through large-scale renewable project deployments. But it says it will likely still take years for new projects to get off the ground.

The Public Service Commission, which regulates the state’s electric utilities, can now consider a number of changes to its renewable energy program, including updating its renewable energy goals, according to department spokesman James Denn. State law gives the commission the authority to “temporarily suspend or modify” its goals under certain circumstances.

Before making any changes, the commission will seek and consider public comments on the report, Denn said.

Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said the analysis shows the state needs to step up efforts to transition away from fossil fuels.

“We need to keep pushing,” Tighe said. “We’ve had our ups and downs in the renewable energy industry, but we need to keep pushing to get to the foundations of a clean energy economy to achieve our broader climate goals.”

Other activist groups say the state’s failure to meet its targets bodes ill for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration’s ability to deliver on its commitments to combat climate change.

“The status report is a devastating indictment of Gov. Hochul on climate,” Liz Moran said in a statement. Moran is a New York policy advocate for Earthjustice. “On day one, the governor was given a roadmap to lead the fight against climate change and usher in a greener future for New York — but instead she rolled back key climate policies.”

Several environmental groups, including Earthjustice, recently called on Hochul to hold a special climate session in Albany after several priority bills failed to pass the Legislature during the regular session this year. This comes after the governor announced an indefinite pause on a congestion pricing plan in the final days of the legislative session that would have reduced New York City’s car emissions.

A spokesperson for Hochul said in a statement that the governor “remains fully committed to building a green economy at the best value for New York consumers.”

The next review of the state’s progress on renewable energy commitments is expected in 2026.