Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to conduct a feasibility study on geothermal energy

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Mario Mattera says this is needed

With New York State's decision to rapidly move away from clean natural gas and other energy sources, the unfortunate reality is that there are some issues with the efforts to comply with the CLCPA (Climate Leader- ship and Community Protection Act) and that may impact every day New Yorkers. Many in the energy industry have expressed serious concerns that the cost estimates associated with the CLCPA mandates have been woefully short of the true cost to ratepayers and that the current ener- gy infrastructure will be unable to handle demand that the CLPCA will put on it. Due to these concerns, and others, our state must take immediate steps to ensure we are utilizing every possible source of energy to best protect the economic future of our residents while ensuring they have access to the energy they need, particularly in the harsh winter months. One source to consider is geothermal energy. As we move into the future, it is incumbent on New York State to explore all options for heating and cooling sources and this source has great potential and New York State should examine its benefits to protect all New Yorkers. While the CLCPA implementation is still flawed, we must move forward with a clear plan to protect our residents from exceedingly increasing costs. This bill will help find those answers to protect New York resi- dents.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.