For too long, New York has been without an energy policy in place to develop, guide and coordinate the resources we need to meet our energy demands. New Yorkers deserve an energy plan that fosters job creation, entrepreneurship, technological advancement and environmental sustainability, and benefits consumers. With the 2002 expiration of our energy planning law, New York has been left without context for decision making. Since then we have been moving forward haphazardly on an economic development issue that has the potential to be at the very heart of much-needed recovery.

Economic volatility, spikes in energy costs, dwindling supply and the challenges presented by air and greenhouse gas pollution, make it clear we can no longer function without an understanding of the big picture. In 2009, Gov. Paterson’s new administrative State Energy Plan gave us a good starting point.

My vision of a new energy economy lays out several priorities that will be used to guide action. Infrastructure, energy affordability for consumers and businesses, job creation, technological advancement, public health, environmental protection and reducing greenhouse gas pollution are key considerations we must weigh. However, central to my concept of a new energy economy is an emphasis on energy independence for New York.

At the top of the list is energy efficiency. New York is matched only by Rhode Island when it comes to states with the lowest energy use per capita. Despite our standing, there is always room for improvement. A recent report by the National Academy of Sciences said that cost-effective, energy-efficient technologies in buildings alone could actually eliminate the need for new generating capacity for the next twenty years. That same report identified New York as a national leader in developing effective energy efficiency programs.

New green construction and retrofitting existing buildings represent an unprecedented economic opportunity for communities across New York. Study after study has singled out investments in energy efficiency as the key to meeting our energy needs and spurring economic development. Last year we passed legislation creating the Green Jobs Green New York Program and authorizing Municipal Sustainable Energy Loan Programs. These initiatives will give consumers access to the financing needed to upgrade their homes and businesses while training and educating a workforce to ensure we have qualified workers to do the job right. This year we are moving forward by updating the State’s Energy Building Code to bring it in line with some of the best standards in the nation, as called for in the State Energy Plan. Moreover, New York’s commitment to sustainable building practices will open the door to new federal funding opportunities.  

The new energy economy won’t all be based on efficiency, though. The state must finally address the longstanding issues of energy infrastructure and the New York Power Authority’s job creation and retention programs.  The enactment of a new power plant siting law is an essential tool in efforts to bring more wind energy online and upgrade old power plants with cleaner, more efficient technologies.  Updates to our antiquated transmission and distribution system will also be necessary to get that power where it is needed most.

The time has also come to replace the outdated Power for Jobs program with a new long-term economic development power initiative designed to keep key manufacturing jobs and attract new industries to New York. The Assembly Energy Committee has passed with broad bi-partisan support legislation creating the Power Solutions Program.  This initiative will give New York the tools to help companies effectively address their energy challenges.  The bill recognizes individual companies have different demands and delivers the flexibility necessary to tailor benefit packages to meet their needs. In order to participate in the program, businesses would be required to develop and commit to solid, long-range plans for meeting energy efficiency benchmarks, capital investment goals and job creation and retention targets.

Finally, we must do more to develop our indigenous energy resources. This includes the environmentally responsible tapping of the enormous potential of the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation. Legislation that would create a market for Solar Renewable Energy Credits, involving our utilities in the production of clean, renewable power and the spurring of innovation in energy storage technology are essential to our push for independence. We must continue our efforts to foster the development of clean energy manufacturing clusters through university and industry partnerships. Further, through reclamation of long-dormant manufacturing facilities, such as the Tech City complex in my own backyard, we can maximize the usefulness of these sites by transforming them into centers of production to create the tools needed to drive the new energy economy.

Unlike much of the partisan posturing that routinely impedes progress on many issues in Albany, the goals of job creation, lower energy costs, cleaner air and economic security do not divide along party lines, as we have demonstrated in the past. I am confident that this year policy makers will set aside political differences and get to work creating a new energy economy. To do anything less would be to shortchange New Yorkers. With comprehensive energy planning as the law of the land, we will have a framework for responsible decision-making that will harness the potential of New York’s abundant resources and the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of its people.


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Kevin Cahill, a Democrat representing parts of Ulster and Dutchess counties, is chair of the Assembly Energy Committee.