| Release: Immediate, June 19, 2002
Contact: Thomas Collins, NYSERDA
(518) 862-1090, ext. 3250
2002 State Energy Plan Released
Albany, NY - The New York State Energy Planning Board announced today
the release of the 2002 Energy Plan, which is designed to provide
statewide policy guidance for energy- related decisions by government
and private market participants within the State for the next four
years.
"The Planning Board is most proud of the fact that our process
was the most open and extensive in the country, and the result shows
it," said Energy Planning Board Chairman William M. Flynn."
The Board held nine public hearings, when only three are required
by law, and during the process, over 171 individuals testified at
the hearings. We received over 740 sets of written comments, and met
with more than 50 groups. I believe the balanced Plan that was produced
by the process reflects that input. Under Governor Pataki's direction,
the State is leading the nation by example toward a more secure energy
future with policies that will decrease our dependency on imported
energy, while at the same time protecting our environment and spurring
economic development," said Flynn.
Since the 1998 Plan, a number of initiatives were enacted to place
New York on a path toward greater energy security, while improving
our environment, and contributing toward our economic revitalization.
These initiatives include Governor Pataki's Acid Deposition Reduction
Program which is reducing harmful emissions, and the New York Energy
$martSM program which is providing energy savings,
while helping to protect our environment and providing an economic
stimulus.
The 2002 Plan, which is a blueprint for energy decision making,
contains five broad public policy objectives to guide policy. They
include support for the continued safe, secure, and reliable operation
of the State's energy and transportation infrastructures; stimulating
sustainable economic growth, technology innovation, and job growth
in the State's energy and transportation sectors through competitive
market development and government support; increased energy diversity
in all sectors of the State's economy through greater use of energy
efficiency technologies and alternative energy resources, including
renewable-based energy; promoting and achieving a cleaner and healthier
environment; and ensuring fairness, equity, and consumer protections
in an increasingly competitive market economy.
Chairman Maureen Helmer of the Public Service Commission said, "Over
the past seven years, New York has made tremendous progress in implementing
comprehensive and competitive energy policies that recognize the important
link between continued economic growth and the availability of reliable
and affordable energy. Going forward, our power plant siting statute
must be extended so that we have the necessary regulatory certainty
to attract the large capital investments we need to meet our future
energy needs."
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner
Erin M. Crotty said, "The State Energy Plan reflects Governor
Pataki's goals of providing affordable and reliable power for New
Yorkers while also ensuring that our air, land and water are protected.
By promoting the development and use of cleaner power generation technologies,
the plan will serve as a blueprint for responsible and innovative
policies that balance our energy, environmental and economic needs."
Commissioner Joseph Boardman of the Department of Transportation
said, "Under Governor Pataki's strong environmental stewardship,
New York State continues to be a leader in energy research and development.
When implemented, the Energy Plan will reduce primary energy use and
greenhouse gas emissions while increasing the use of renewable energy.
It also focuses on increasing energy efficiency in transportation
by emphasis on public transit, reduction of traffic congestion and
delays, and use of alternative- fuel vehicles. This Energy Plan makes
sense and protects New Yorkers, while promoting smarter and more efficient
energy use."
Chairman of Empire State Development, Charles A. Gargano said, "This
State Energy Plan sets forth a strategy to ensure that New York businesses
and individuals will have adequate supplies of energy to continue
our successes in creating jobs for New York families. It also continues
Governor Pataki efforts to create jobs while protecting the environment,
and will help lead us into a brighter and more prosperous 21st Century."
To meet the Plan's public policy objectives, a number of recommendations
and long-range planning strategies are included which are designed
to ensure that New York's energy needs are met by encouraging competition
while ensuring fairness, and that the need for new energy supplies
and investments in critical energy infrastructure are balanced with
the need to protect the State's environment and public health. The
Plan also takes into consideration the significant changes that are
currently transforming New York's energy markets, and it provides
strategic direction and policy guidance to help address those needs.
Some of the major policy strategies, findings, and recommendations
in the Plan include:
- Add 5,000 to 7,000 MW of additional electricity supply and demand
reductions to meet New York's energy needs in the early years of
the planning period.
- Add new natural gas pipeline capacity to meet growing demand
for all sectors of the economy.
- An energy efficiency goal of reducing primary energy use to 25%
below 1990 level of energy (per Gross State Product) use by 2010.
- A renewable energy goal of increasing the share of renewable
energy use by 50% by 2020, as a percentage of primary energy use.
- A joint security study of the State's energy infrastructure by
the Board and the Office of Public Security.
- A goal for reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions 5% below 1990 levels
by 2010, and 10% below 1990 by 2020.
- Re-authorization of Article X, relating to the siting of new
electric generating facilities.
- Continue efforts to establish a Regional electricity market.
Review recommendations of the Department of Environmental Conservation's
Environmental Justice Advisory Group and implement appropriate recommendations
in timely fashion.
"This Energy Plan recognizes the inextricable link among energy,
environment, and economic growth that exists in today's world,"
said Chairman Flynn. " Meeting our energy needs presents us with
an immense challenge because most of our fuel sources are imported.
Nonetheless, we have a vital role in addressing our own future needs,
and this Plan provides the framework to do that in a reasonable and
balanced manner."
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