June 29, 2004
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES CALLS FOR RAPID ADOPTION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PLAN

(Albany, N.Y.) – Environmental Advocates is calling for the state Public Service Commission (PSC) to quickly adopt and implement a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) along the lines proposed in the June 3, 2004 Recommended Decision. That decision, from Administrative Law Judge Eleanor Stein, stated that up to 25 percent of New York’s electricity can be generated by renewable energy sources by the year 2013.

“It is time for New York to chart a new direction for a secure energy future,” said Environmental Advocates of New York Executive Director Robert Moore. “The Public Service Commission should act quickly and adopt this new initiative to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels by increasing the use of electricity generated by renewable resources.”

The proposed renewable energy standard would require new renewable energy sources to be developed, displacing electricity from older coal- and gas-fired power plants. By doing so, New York would eliminate 8 percent of its electricity sector greenhouse gas emissions, lessening the state’s contribution to global warming. Attaining the renewable energy goals would also eliminate between 5 percent and 7 percent of the pollutants that contribute to acid rain, a serious threat to forests and lakes in the Catskills and the Adirondacks. It sould also reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, the main source of mercury that makes fish unsafe to eat in numerous lakes and streams in New York, the New England states, and across the country.

The environmental benefits of renewable energy are unquestionable, and the generation capacity is cheaper to develop than critics allege.

The staff of the Public Service Commission found that the goal of generating 25 percent of New York’s electricity from renewable energy is achievable and may actually reduce electricity bills for residential customers. Costs for commercial customers would only marginally increase.

“The economics makes New York’s decision to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard a no-brainer,” Moore said. “Governor Pataki and the Public Service Commission should move with all possible haste to adopt and implement a Renewable Portfolio Standard. It has obvious benefits for the environment and it is beneficial to New York’s economy.”

Moore will testifying on behalf of Environmental Advocates at the Public Service Commission’s pubic hearing on June 29, 2004 in Albany to be held between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM at the Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room A. Moore’s statement is available at www.eany.org/statement. For a fax or email version, contact Laura DiBetta at ldibetta@eany.org or call 518-462-5526 ext. 233.