New York State government's climate policies, particularly the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) enacted in 2019. Menton notes the consequences of these policies on energy reliability in the state, highlighting a recent petition from a coalition of businesses concerned about the impact of these mandates.
1. Background on State Legislation:
• In 2018, New York voters elected a left-wing legislature, leading to the CLCPA's enactment in July 2019.
• The Act aimed at significant reductions in hydrocarbon fuel usage to combat climate change, despite New York's minimal share in global emissions.
2. Mandates and Their Implications:
• The CLCPA mandates that 70% of New York's electricity must come from renewable sources by 2030 ("70x30") and aims for 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040 ("100x40").
• As of 2026, progress towards these goals has been minimal, raising concerns about feasibility.
3. Concerns Over Electric Service:
• The rigidity of these mandates has led to worries regarding their impact on the reliability of the electricity grid and the affordability of electric services.
• The petition suggests that the state could potentially modify or suspend the mandates to ensure reliable energy services under certain conditions.
4. Petition and Business Reaction:
• A coalition of trade associations and businesses, named the Coalition for Safe and Reliable Energy, recently filed a petition seeking a review of the mandates.
• While the petition reflects significant business interests, it notably lacks participation from New York City's business community.
5. Comments on the Coalition’s Approach:
• Menton critiques the Coalition's petition for being too lenient towards the state's energy policies and suggests that it COVID-may not adequately challenge the fundamental issues caused by the mandates.
• He expresses hope that the coalition's involvement might encourage broader engagement from businesses on energy issues.
6. Surreal Situation:
• Menton describes a surreal scene where efforts to address the impending energy crisis are led solely by a small group of individuals rather than the larger New York business community that stands to be affected by the state's energy policies.
The piece by Francis Menton highlights significant concerns about New York State's aggressive climate change policies and their implications for energy reliability. With a coalition of businesses beginning to push back against the mandates, there are signs of a shift in awareness among the business community. However, Menton believes that more decisive action and vocal opposition are crucial as the state grapples with impending energy challenges due to the unrealistic targets set by the CLCPA.
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