Relates to the utilization of renewable energy at state-owned facilities in Albany

• Democratic42

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Patricia Fahy says this is needed

Climate change is adversely affecting the economic well-being, public health, natural resources, and environment of New York. Climate change especially heightens the vulnerability of disadvantaged communities, including communities of color and low-income communities, which bear environmental and socioeconomic burdens as well as legacies of racial discrimination. The neighborhood surrounding the state-owned Sheridan Avenue Steam Plant in Albany is one such neighborhood, having previously endured more than a century of pollution due to the heating and cooling of the State Capitol building and more recently the Empire State Plaza and other downtown Albany state buildings. This included the state burn- ing garbage at the ANSWERS plant at Sheridan Avenue to heat and cool the Plaza. In 2019, New York state demonstrated national leadership on climate by enacting the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act ("CLCPA"). The CLCPA established a mandate of reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions 85% over 1990 levels and a reduction beyond 85% to net zero emissions by the year 2050. The law also set a mandate of a 40% reduction in emissions by the year 2030. It also requires investment in and protection of disadvantaged communities. The Renewable Capitol Project created by this legislation is beneficial to disadvantaged communities and states that the intent of this legislation is to design the Project to be fully consistent with and to further the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of the CLCPA. To meet the goals of the CLCPA, the state will need to transform its energy infrastructure, including the rapid and significant deployment of clean and renewable energy. Converting the Capitol and the other build- ings of the Empire State Plaza Complex to 100% clean and renewable ener- gy will assist in meeting such goals while making the State of New York a market leader. It will provide a model both for other public buildings in the state and nation and in the private sector as to how to convert such facilities to clean renewable energy. Section 7 of the CLCPA requires state agencies, authorities and other entities in their administrative approvals and decisions and contracts to consider whether such decisions will interfere with the attainment of the law's statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits. It also directs that all state agencies, authorities and other entities prioritize reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and co-pollutants in disadvan- taged communities. Section 7 applies to the Renewable Capital Project, and that state agencies charged with implementing this legislation shall do so consistent with the purposes of section 7. The New York State Legislature has previously recognized the importance of promoting renewable energy at the Empire State Plaza Complex when it amended a state budget appropriation of $88 million related to the proposed expansion of the Sheridan Avenue energy facilities in 2019 to require operation to the extent possible on renewable energy for heat- ing, cooling, and/or electricity. By requiring that state facilities in downtown Albany shall entirely use renewable energy sources for power, heat and cooling within three years of the law going into effect, New York State will maintain its status as a leader in the transition away from fossil fuels.

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.