In her recent State of the State address, her first since being elected to a full four-year term, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul vowed to pursue “historic investments in renewable energy and environmental protection to bring us closer to a brighter, greener future.” In her speech, she also reaffirmed New York’s commitment to reducing or eliminating emissions as required under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or CLCPA.
The ground-breaking legislation is among the most ambitious climate laws in the nation, requiring New York to slash statewide greenhouse gas emissions dramatically over the next several decades. In the process, New York must reach 70% emission-free electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2040.
Generating new energy from renewable sources is a complex proposition that involves more than deployment of distributed solar panels and offshore wind turbines. The energy from that infrastructure must also get transported into the state electric grid so it can power homes and businesses.
That requires substantial additional investments in energy storage as well as transmission. At Harris Beach, our Energy Industry Team has been proud to work with our partners at New York Transco on groundbreaking projects that include the first new transmission lines built in the state in 30 years.
Our team was instrumental in guiding New York Transco toward the 2021 approval of its Article VII application to proceed with construction of a proposed 54-mile AC transmission line between Rensselaer and Dutchess Counties. We’ve also shepherded other transmission projects to regulatory approvals. And separately, we are working with clients on energy storage projects that will leverage and maximize these new renewable investments.
Nothing about these broad projects is particularly easy. Their scope is also challenging to visualize, which is why our partners at New York Transco recently produced a new video highlighting their transmission work.
The video, “Transmission Solutions for a Clean Energy Future,” highlights Transco’s community-focused, environmentally responsible approach to developing clean energy transmission solutions. Shot in documentary style, the video highlights how Transco “conceptualizes, designs, and builds its projects with the best interests of the state’s environment, economy, and local communities in mind.”
At the same time, Transco also released a statement congratulating the Governor on her recommitment to renewables, which we wholeheartedly endorse.
Our energy team remains proud of the role we have played in assisting New York developers deliver on the state’s ambitious energy goals.