New York Climate Week: Energy transparency and sustainability plans

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — In New York, Climate Week runs from September 22 to September 29. With that in mind, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed two new laws on accountability, accuracy, and transparency for public utility companies. They should help customers understand changes to their bills and keep those energy suppliers honest, according to the governor's office.

S9188/A9827 makes gas and electric companies release more information before rates can be changed. The Public Service Commission (PSC)—the organization that analyzes and rules on requests from utility providers to raise rates—has 10 days from a major rate change request to share the details of that request. Posted online in under 500 words, the summary has to include:

• The amount they're proposing to change
• Justifications for changing rates
• Reports on how they'll use the new revenue
• Proposed profits for company shareholders
• Dates for hearings and deadlines for comment periods
• Instructions for leaving public feedback on a rate change request

The PSC also has to send these summaries to legislators and news outlets in the areas affected by the rate change request. The law should take effect around November 24, 60 days from Hochul's signing on Wednesday, September 25.

Next, S6710/A3746 penalizes utility companies for giving the PSC false information about rate changes. When Hochul signed it on Wednesday, this law took immediate effect. It fines any company—or their staff, or anyone working on their behalf in any rate case—as much as $250,000 for knowingly lying, misrepresenting, or submitting false certifications to the PSC. Each false statement counts separately, and, if discovered, such falsehoods have to be reported to the PSC within three business days. Not reporting in time also costs up to $250,000 in fines.

Clear rate-setting helps people understand their bills, which can motivate them to cut their energy use or choose renewables. Straightforward accounting would also build public trust in the utility company, support investments in green projects, and help lawmakers make plans that meet the state's sustainability goals.

Also on Wednesday, Hochul announced $5.5 million in grants for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure. They fund installations of electric vehicle chargers and hydrogen fuel station components, which ultimately cut fossil fuel emissions from the gasoline engines of traditional cars. Municipalities have to register with New York's Statewide Financial System (SFS) Grant Management System and apply by February 28.

And on September 26—the Thursday of Climate Week—Hochul announced another $7 million in grants, these to build or renovate environmental education centers in disadvantaged, polluted areas. They support nonprofit, tribal, and community organizations with classes on urban ecology, indoor air pollution, green jobs, and sustainability.

Ranging from $250,000 to $3 million, the grants—funded by the state Environmental Protection Fund—will cover the cost of building or buying land, equipment, or technology. Community-based nonprofits have to register and prequalify in SFS to apply, with online applications due by 3 p.m. on January 22.

Video: Hochul announces funding for offshore wind workforce to kick off Climate Week 2024

Meanwhile, the State University of New York (SUNY) released a sustainability plan on Wednesday, the same day as the release of the annual "Greening New York State" report. You can read them both at the bottom of this story.

Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced SUNY's Draft Climate and Sustainability Action Plan and asked for public feedback. After public comment review, the Board of Trustees will consider the plan. With their approval, the plan will roll out 125 climate and sustainability actions in phases over five years starting in 2025.

SUNY wants to prepare its 1.3 million students for green careers, create zero waste across all campuses, and develop new technologies to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The key points include:

• Reduce Emissions: Targeting at least 40% less in gas emissions from fuel and electricity by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and 85% by 2050
• Green Education: Teaching classes on climate change, leadership, innovation, and economic opportunities
• Research: Doubling research efforts in climate solutions with a focus on technologies
• Workforce Development: Connecting New Yorkers to well-paying jobs in communities with environmental problems
• Sustainable Facilities: Converting 20% more of its buildings to renewables generating 66,000 megawatt hours
• Reduce Waste: Phasing out single-use plastics, switching to eco-friendly products, increasing recycling, and diverting 75% of waste from landfills and reduce 90% of overall waste by 2030
• Inclusion: Involving students, staff, and faculty in sustainability efforts

The GreenNY Council released the 12th annual "Greening New York State" report documenting progress in reaching state sustainability goals. It details how agencies work to consume less energy, recycle more, and use green products to protect the environment during 2023. All told, New York state agencies collectively want to save 11 trillion BTUs of energy by 2025, power the government with renewables by 2030, and convert all vehicles to ZEVs by 2040.

Some highlights from the report include:

• Clean Energy: Energy-saving projects totaled 6.88 trillion BTUs
• Waste Reduction: 1.9 million tons (93%) of waste from state agencies was recycled or composted over the last four years
• Green Purchasing: The state spent about $227 million on eco-friendly products
• Sustainable Transportation: Over 99% of the state's light-duty vehicle fleet has ZEV conversion plans
• Species and Habitat Protection: Rapid response plans work to address invasive species

Technically, Climate Week is a New York City event, but it influences all of New York and sometimes other states. For example, on September 25, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed anti-fossil fuel legislation. Focused, obviously, on climate issues, Climate Week happens during the U.N. General Assembly. It aims to unite lawmakers, community leaders, and prominent figures from the business community to talk about collaborating to promote sustainability.

Take a look at SUNY's draft plan:

And here's the 12th-annual "Greening New York" Report: