The approval of Iroquois’ enhancement project, which utility companies argue is needed to heat New Yorkers’ homes in the coldest months, amps up planet-warming pollution—and signals that the state’s commitment to reaching its climate goals is faltering, critics say.
New York now has enough solar energy to power 1 million homes. Environmentalists say it’s crucial for the state to keep that momentum as it falls behind on meeting other climate goals.
Drilling for more oil and gas may not have legs in progressive New York, where local laws bar these efforts. But larger climate goals could suffer a blow.
“We must build a future where every New Yorker makes a living wage and earns enough to cover the basic necessities to survive and then some, so that a climate emergency doesn’t mean financial ruin and impossible existential choices.”
The rate increase, National Grid argues, is necessary for maintaining service as safe and reliable for customers. But environmentalists question adding gas hookups and revamping the system when New York is supposed to be phasing out polluting fossil fuels, as mandated by the state’s landmark climate law.
An audit carried out by the State Comptroller’s Office says the Public Service Commission isn’t taking enough action to help the state reach its clean energy goals, and doesn’t have a backup plan if New York fails to achieve them.
“If New York follows California’s lead on this, we risk running into one of the biggest concerns arising from the program—an oversupply of credits from renewable diesel and dairy biogas that negatively disrupts fuel prices and floods methane emissions into the atmosphere.”
“Passing this legislation before the end of the session allows legislators to implement a transformative emission reduction strategy, significantly improving air quality for their constituents, especially for communities living and working along bus routes and near bus depots.”
After three attempts to get permits for its pipeline project failed, Williams Companies Inc claims it’s walking away. But as other companies seek to expand fracked gas infrastructure in New York, activists say the fight feels far from over.
“We are outraged,” said Rami Dinnawi, a steering committee member of the climate coalition New York Renews. “To see a budget come out that fails to address any of the urgent policies related to climate is an abdication of responsibility from the governor and from lawmakers.”
City Limits uses investigative journalism through the prism of New York City to identify urban problems, examine their causes, explore solutions, and equip communities to take action.
Founded in 1976 in the midst of New York’s fiscal crisis, City Limits exists to inform democracy and equip citizens to create a more just city. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by foundation support, ad sponsorship and donations from readers.
Support local, investigative journalism that has informed and empowered New Yorkers for 45 years.
Support local, investigative journalism that has informed and empowered New Yorkers for 45 years.
