Signed into law in 2019, New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act encompasses some of the most ambitious climate targets in the United States. The legislation allows residents of New York State to enact changes benefiting the environment in their communities.

Among other targets laid out in the Climate Act, the state government strives to source 70 percent of its energy from renewable sources and achieve 3,000 MW of energy storage by 2030. As part of that, it also intends to have 6,000 MW of installed solar by 2025. Below are three other things to know about the Climate Act and renewable energy in New York. 

Oversight by the Climate Action Council

The Climate Act and its initiatives to achieve the state's renewable energy targets is overseen by the 22-member Climate Action Council. In addition to developing a scoping plan for the government's climate agenda, the Climate Action Council was tasked with creating sector-specific advisory panels. It is working in partnership with the Environmental Justice Advisory Group and Climate Justice Working Group.

The Climate Action Council has held monthly meetings throughout 2021. The Land Use and Local Government Advisory Panel delivered a presentation on adaptation and resilience at its most recent meeting in early June.

Competitive Tier 2

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a competitive renewable energy resources retention program in January 2021 to complement the Climate Act. Known as Competitive Tier 2, the procurement program is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and was designed to reduce energy costs, promote lower carbon emissions, and support economic recovery.

NYSERDA issued its first of three annual solicitations in January to attract proposals from owners of land-based wind generators and hydropower facilities that have been in commercial operation since before January 1, 2015.

"Governor Cuomo is ensuring New York is using every tool at its disposal to accelerate our progress toward the State's nation-leading climate and clean energy goals while harnessing the power of clean energy to help build back our economy," said NYSERDA acting president and CEO Doreen Harris.

Recently Announced Projects

Furthering its commitment to green energy, the government of New York announced plans to build more than 20 renewable energy projects in 2021. These projects, announced on Earth Day, are expected to add more than 2,000 jobs to the state's economy and attract nearly $1.5 billion in private investment. Combined, they are expected to produce sufficient clean energy to offset 1 million metric tons of carbon emissions per year. One of the more notable projects is a utility-scale solar installation that will be the first of its kind in upstate New York.