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Climate Action Council Recommends Green Hydrogen, Thermal, Advanced Nuclear, at Meeting on in NY’s Clean Energy Future – Thursday, September 29 2022
On Thursday, September 29, 2022, the Climate Action Council (CAC) convened hybrid meeting in Albany, New York City, and virtually to receive updates from the sub-committees driving the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act). This included presentations by the Gas Transition Subgroup, Economywide Subgroup, and Just Transition Subgroup. Key topics discussed were:
· Adaptation & Resilience
· Climate Justice
· Just Transition.
Approximately 41 CAC members were in attendance. The CAC staff presentation is available here and the meeting agenda is available here. The video of the event will be posted on the CAC’s website in the near future.
The Clean Energy Jobs Coalition live tweeted during the meeting, capturing key comments and observations by panelists and participants.
The CAC Gas Transition Subgroup developed a framework that recommended use of alternative fuels such as green hydrogen and renewable natural gas. They advocated the CLCPA include and expedite PILOT projects to demonstrate success and reliability of alternative fuels to encourage broader adoption with speed and urgency. They went on to outline how existing gas industry workers must not be left behind by ensuring the “Just Transition” includes “reemployment of displaced workers and bridging gaps for retirement eligibility” when new, low-to-no emission energy technologies come online.
After the Economywide subgroup delivered its presentation, the Independent Power Producers New York commended the efforts taken by the Staff thus far; however, expressed concern that language in the “Cap & Invest Model” to reduce emissions needs clarification. They suggested the language in market design regulations ensure policy fairness by prohibiting potential “double payment” conditions for electric generators.
The "Just Transition Staff" recommended an "emphasis on community thermal, enhanced geothermal, advanced nuclear, and more" energy sources to power NY's future. The commentary signals that "Labor Standards" and "All of the Above #Energy Strategy" are the new priorities of the CLCPA Plan.
On Workforce provisions, NYS AFL CIO president Mario Cilento asked if there has been "any analysis on [Inflation Reduction Act] funding to be used to offset wage loss by workers" that lose their jobs due to NYS energy policy changes. The CAC Staff indicated that nothing has been done yet; however, they would look into the issue and get back to the panel.
You can view our full thread on Twitter here and get additional insight from Politico’s energy reporter Marie French here.
During the closing moments of the meeting, a CAC member suggested CLCPA Staff work to reconcile differences with experts at the New York Independent System Operator – the non-profit operator of New York’s energy system. The member noted that the NYISO report “felt like a cold shower” on the CAC’s direction. It was emphasized that more must be done to ensure that principles of affordability, safety, and reliability be aligned with the realities of New York’s energy infrastructure and overlapping federal requirements.
For more information, you can view past meetings and materials of the CAC as follows:
Upcoming CAC Meetings
Thursday, October 13, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 25, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, November 7, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, November 21, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Monday, December 5, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, December 19, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Previous CAC Meetings
Thursday, September 29
A recording of the meeting will be posted on the Climate Act website within three days of the meeting, or as soon as practicable.
September 13, 2022
August 23, 2022
July 11, 2022
May 26, 2022
April 18, 2022
March 3, 2022
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