FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paul Steidler
917-612-3594 or 212-683-1203
Energy Coalition Urges Swift PSC Enactment of Clean Energy Standard
New York, NY/July 27, 2016 – The New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance (New York AREA)today called upon the New York Public Service Commission to swiftly adopt the Clean Energy Standard (CES) proposal.
The CES would put New York on track to cut carbon emissions by 40% and expand renewable power to account for 50 percent of electricity generation by 2030. It would also recognize the important role that non-emitting nuclear power plants have to New York’s economy and environment by providing a zero emissions credit to plants that are struggling financially and on the verge of closing.
Below are comments supporting the proposed CES from New York AREA and several member organizations, including the New York State AFL-CIO, the African American Environmentalist Association, the Queens Chamber of Commerce,the Mayor of Mount Vernon, the IBEW, the UWUA, the Hudson Valley GatewayChamber of Commerce, and the Rockland Business Association.
“New York needs all six of its non-carbon emitting nuclear power plants. The PSC’s proposal could go a long way to support these generators by recognizing the benefits of the plants’ non-carbon power.”
Arthur “Jerry” Kremer, Chairman, New York AREA
"We concur with the DPS findings on the magnitude of the environmental benefits, and further find that when considering the full range of benefits, economic in addition to environmental, the total benefits of preserving these plants exceed costs by a significantly larger amount."
New York State AFL-CIO
“Environmental leaders like NASA’s Dr. James Hansen and Whole Earth Catalog founder Stewart Brand have publicly stated that if New York lost its nuclear fleet, emissions from power generation would rise by a staggering 50 percent. By preserving these plants, the PSC will protect New Yorkers from the toxic emissions spewed by fossil fuel generators.”
Norris McDonald, President, African American Environmental Association
“We need the CES to help the state meet new clean-energy mandates. The zero-carbon credit program will help struggling nuclear facilities continue to produce non-emitting power that the state needs and jobs in the energy sector that fuel local and state economies.”
Thomas Grech, Executive Director, Queens Chamber of Commerce
“New York State must commit itself to ensuring a clean energy future where fuel diversity is paramount and that includes nuclear power. Therefore, I encourage the PSC Commissioners to pass this proposal without hesitation so that New York can meet its clean-energy goals and keep our state moving forward towards a more reliable and environmentally efficient future.”
Richard Thomas, Mayor, City of Mount Vernon
“We will only fail in our mission if we close power generating plants such as FitzPatrick and Ginna. They provide an invaluable amount of infrastructure for New York.”
Lou Fazzolari, IBEW, Local 41
“The Labor Coalition strongly believes that nuclear generators serve as a viable bridge that will facilitate New York in achieving its goals of 40% reduction in greenhouse emissions, and 50% renewables by 2030 as referenced in the New York State Department of Public Services, Clean Energy Standard White Paper.”
IBEW Local 97/UWUA Local 1-2
“The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce supports the Public Service Commission’s zero carbon emissions credit program for nuclear power facilities in the state because we know the important role that a clean and safe power source plays in supporting the economy.“
Deb Milone, Executive Director, Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce
“Reliable, clean, safe, and affordable electricity from nuclear power is a cornerstone of the economy, and that is why the Rockland Business Association supports the PSC’s Clean Energy Standard proposal.”
Al Samuels, President and CEO, Rockland Business Association
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About New York AREA: Founded in November 2003, the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance (New York AREA) is a diverse group of business, labor, and community groups whose mission and purpose is to ensure that the New York metropolitan area has an ample and reliable electricity supply and economic prosperity for years to come. New York AREA helps to educate policy makers, businesses, and the general public regarding the necessity and importance of safe, low-cost, reliable, clean electricity.
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