With a new year about to begin, all eyes will be on the state Capitol next week, when Gov. Andrew Cuomo will give his second State of the State address.

Energy issues are likely to be an important part of Gov. Cuomo's State of the State address next week.The annual address will allow Cuomo to lay out his budgetary and legislative agenda for 2012, and while the governor is known for playing his cards close to the vest, some hints about his speech are leaking out. 

One area that the governor is very likely to touch on is energy. With his proposal to close the Indian Point power plant and allow hydrofracking, the one thing that is missing is a clear strategy for New York's energy future. NYLCV will be releasing our 2012 State Policy Agenda in the coming days, and we expect clean energy to be at the top of our to-do list.

Another issue likely to figure into his speech is transportation. Last week, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved its capital construction plan and that now heads to Albany decision makers for approval. New York needs more than mass transit status quo; it's time we had a world-class transit system, and we look forward to hearing more about the governor's strategy for improving this lifeblood of the state's economy.

Transitioning to an innovation-based, sustainable economy will also be a likely topic. NYLCV was heartened by the results of the 2011 Regional Economic Development Councils initiative, which put a strong emphasis on sustainable development and environmental innovation. 

NYLCV's next EcoPolitics will feature an in-depth analysis of the governor's environmental and energy agenda. Until then, best wishes from all of us at NYLCV for a green, healthy and prosperous 2012!