 |
|
|
For Immediate Release: 8/17/2023 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
23083 / 10-T-0139; 21-T-0340 August 17, 2023
|
|
PSC Approves Segments of Transmission Lines for 2 Upstate Projects |
|
Transmission Upgrades Increase System Reliability and Meet Climate Act Requirements
Projects Will Create Good-Paying Construction Jobs in Upstate New York
ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved work on two major transmission projects in New York that are needed to help ensure reliability and improve the flow of clean energy across the State. “New York continues to make significant upgrades and additions to the State’s existing transmission systems to integrate new large-scale renewable energy projects into the State’s energy supply,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “As part of our responsibility, we must make sure these investments are needed and cost-effective. Our approvals today are for existing or under-development transmission line projects that meet that definition.”
In six separate decisions regarding two transmission projects, the Commission:
The primary purpose and benefit of these projects is climate mitigation and improving reliability, which benefits all New Yorkers. Local communities will also benefit from high-paying construction jobs and tax payments to local municipalities arising from the expected capital investment related to the projects.
New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35%, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2021 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with nearly 400 registered and more than 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Numbers 10-T-0139 [Champlain Hudson] and 21-T-0340 [Smart Path Connect] in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
|
|
|
###
|