January 16, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul
Office of the Governor
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224
Dear Governor Hochul and the NYPA Board of Trustees:
As New York moves toward meeting its climate goals, we must use the energy transition to redress the negative impacts of the fossil fuel industry on communities of color. The Build Public Renewables Act (BPRA), passed in 2023, opens up significant opportunities to reduce the burdens of both extreme pollution and spiraling utility costs in our communities. We urge the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to build at least 15 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 to ensure that every New Yorker can benefit from clean air and affordable energy costs.
The draft strategic plan proposing 3.5 GW is inadequate to meet CLCPA mandates or address the needs of communities most impacted by pollution and high energy costs, which is a critical component of the BPRA legislation. Additionally, NYPA is also required to shut down its polluting peaker plants by 2030. To achieve this, NYPA must build sufficient renewable capacity in downstate New York to replace these plants.
Communities of color also bear the highest energy cost burdens, making an equitable energy transition essential. By reinvesting the revenue from renewable energy projects into these communities through utility bill credits, NYPA can significantly shift the burden from working class people.
Public renewables stabilize utility rates and create thousands of jobs. NYPA’s access to low-cost capital and federal incentives reduces costs for ratepayers. A 15 GW buildout would create an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 jobs, with priority given to disadvantaged communities and transitioning fossil fuel workers. New York can meet its climate goals while investing in a critical workforce for the future.
NYPA must be ambitious to ensure that the economic burden of maintaining our energy system no longer falls disproportionately on New Yorkers of color. The Caucus remains committed to reducing energy costs for all New Yorkers and addressing decades of environmental harm. We extend an invitation to NYPA leadership to meet with us for a discussion on the draft plan and upcoming initiatives.
Sincerely,
Hon. Michaelle C. Solages
New York State Assembly Member
Chair, Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus
