New York’s climate plan will drive big changes, if it works
Posted Jul 18, 2019 03:52:59 PM.
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York state has adopted the nation’s most aggressive targets for reducing carbon emissions.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Thursday mandating 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. The measure would also require greenhouse gas emissions be cut by 85% below 1990 levels by 2050.
Five other states already have policies calling for the transition to 100% renewable energy, but New York’s plan would get there first.
Former Vice-President Al Gore joined Cuomo at the bill signing in New York City.
Cuomo, a Democrat, announced that work will begin in 2022 for two large offshore wind farms that will generate power for Long Island and New York City. Cuomo says the two farms will have a combined capacity of 1,700 megawatts, enough to power 1 million homes.
Mary Esch, The Associated Press
