New York Aims for 50% Renewables by 2030

Under a new state energy plan, New York is set to get half of its electricity from renewables by 2030.

By this time, the state also plans to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent from 1990 levels.

According to Capital New York, if executed correctly, the plan could lead to large-scale solar and offshore wind development.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) received 100,000 public comments on the plan mainly addressing the issue of climate change, renewables and fracking.

“The eyes of the country are really on New York and where we are going and how we are going to get there,” said John Williams, director of the NYSERDA.

Environmental Advocates of New York welcomed the energy draft plan giving credit to the Governor for “such an aggressive plan.”

“However, if the state continues to make bad decisions that stall progress and exacerbate our climate problems, such as re-firing outdated fossil fuel plants and raiding carbon abatement programs,” the environmental group believes there will be no way to achieve these goals.