NY Senate commits to 10-year solar program extension

April 30, 2013 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

The New York State Senate has unanimously passed legislation to extend the NY-Sun Initiative through 2023 and solidify the state's long-term commitment to solar energy, indicating growing support among lawmakers for comprehensive solar policy.

The New York Solar Bill (A.5060/S.2522) would build on the success of the NY-Sun Initiative, a public-private partnership designed to drive growth in the state's solar industry and lower solar costs for homes, businesses, schools and other energy users. NY-Sun was established to quadruple the amount of customer-sited solar photovoltaic capacity added between 2011 and 2013. In his 2013 State of the State address, Governor Cuomo committed to extending the NY-Sun Initiative through 2023. The New York Solar Bill would solidify a 10-year extension in statute.

"In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, New Yorkers understand all too well the urgent need to combat climate change and better prepare for its impacts," said Pierre Bull, policy analyst at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). "Solar power is helping to tackle those challenges head-on. This bill -- together with reductions in power plant pollution and increased energy efficiency and support for other renewable energy sources, like offshore wind -- can help New York build a cleaner, safer and more secure energy future."

The bill is expected to build 2,200 MW of solar, create thousands of new local jobs, save billions on fossil power plants, and spur millions in investments in the state's growing clean energy economy.

For more:
- see the bill

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/ny-senate-commits-10-year-solar-program-extension/2013-04-30