The following article is from the May 2007 issue of

On April 19, 2007 Governor Spitzer announced an energy plan for New York State, which seeks to reduce energy demand in the state by 15% in 2015, while simultaneously increasing the energy supply by re-powering and upgrading existing power plants and facilitating the development of new, clean and renewable energy sources such as wind.

Aptly named "15 by 15," Governor Spitzer's demand-reduction proposal outlines an ambitious energy-reduction strategy that is arguable the most aggressive in the nation. The proposals include a series of cross-sector energy-efficiency programs - with a specific focus on state government buildings and actions - new appliance and green building standards. The Governor also announced that, working with utility companies, the Public Service Commission will restructure how utilities get paid, decoupling of the utilities profits from the amount of electricity moving through the grid.

Governor Spitzer also announced a new strategy that will increase the supply of reliable, clean and renewable energy sources around the state. Since the expiration of Article X of the Public Service Law, New York has been without a coordinated process to site new power plants or repower and upgrade existing facilities. During his speech, Governor Spitzer announced that he will be introducing a new and improved Article X bill in that hopes that it will move through the legislature this session.

The new Article X bill will establish the Clean Power Supply Board, a "one-stop shop" that will oversee and facilitate the siting process for clean and renewable power facilities that can increase our energy supply while reducing the state's carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the Governor will empower the New York Power Authority (NYPA) with the authority to issue long-term contracts to clean sites, thus stabilizing the market and creating more certainty for distributors and consumers alike.

Governor Spitzer's energy plans as well as his administration's expansion and implementation of the Regional Grenehouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) will move New York into the national spotlight and allow New York to become a leader in the fight against climate change.

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- May 2007