Climate and Clean Energy Advocates Celebrate Promising Cap-and-Invest Framework for New York
ALBANY, NY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority released a pre-proposal outline and climate affordability study yesterday in the ongoing development of New York’s Cap-and-Invest Program. A cap-and-invest program was recommended by the Climate Action Council’s Scoping Plan and proposed in Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2023 State of the State Address.
The Association for Energy Affordability, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), New York League of Conservation Voters, New Yorkers for Clean Power, and Regional Plan Association have released the following statement:
“By establishing a cap-and-invest program, New York State has the potential to reduce climate pollution and improve public health, while investing in environmental justice and disadvantaged communities from Buffalo to Brooklyn. A cap-and-invest program can help ensure that the state meets its greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements, which were set forth in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
“Governor Hochul, the DEC, and NYSERDA should be commended for releasing a strong, equitable cap-and-invest proposal, along with a comprehensive affordability study. It is critical that state officials continue to include input from the disadvantaged communities most impacted by climate pollution as it advances the program. Next comes the January stakeholder process and we hope to see a strong cap-and-invest program adopted next year that can be implemented in 2025.”
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd). Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.