GREENHOUSE GAS RESEARCH PROGRAM

A.3414-A (Magnarelli, et al.)

Summary
This bill would create a greenhouse gas management research and development program within the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA). The program would provide grants to research institutions for the development of technologies or processes to avoid, abate, mitigate and capture carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses. Grants would be subject to appropriations in future budgets.

Explanation
From regulating carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, to establishing low emissions vehicles standards for automobiles and increasing funding for the State’s programs for energy efficiency and the development of clean, renewable sources of energy, New York has taken several steps to reduce the emissions that are responsible for global climate change.

Despite these measures, scientists say that in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change, globally we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent. Regulatory and policy changes are only part of the greenhouse gas puzzle. Research into technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions at their source, or technologies that can help capture and sequester carbon dioxide, are worthwhile endeavors and should be supported with state funds. A small portion of the revenue from the auction of carbon dioxide emissions allowances associated with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative may be an appropriate source of funding for these purposes.

Environmental Advocates of New York supports this bill.