The NYS Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, (CLCPA or Climate Act) was enacted in 2019. The Climate Act requires the State to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. The law created a Climate Action Council charged with developing a scoping plan of recommendations to meet these mandates and place NY on a path toward carbon neutrality.

The Climate Action Council voted to approve and adopt the New York State Climate Action Council Scoping Plan on December 19, 2022, following a three-year process that included robust public input.  NY-BEST was proud to participate on the Power Generation Advisory Panel which developed recommendations for the Draft Scoping Plan. NY-BEST also held a webinar to inform our members and interested stakeholders summarizing the key recommendations in the Draft Scoping Plan pertaining to batteries and energy storage.  NY-BEST also participated in public meetings and submitted formal comments on the Draft Scoping Plan viewable here. The approved Scoping Plan calls for the aggressive deployment of renewable energy and energy storage technologies and will drive future State policy priorities & funding.   

The Scoping Plan is available on the Climate Act webpage along with an Executive Summary and additional resources.

The Climate Act requires the following actions after finalization of the Scoping Plan:

• DEC will have until January 1, 2024, to draft and promulgate enforceable regulations to ensure the State meets the Climate Act’s statewide GHG emission limits as outlined in the Scoping Plan.
• The State Energy Plan will be updated to incorporate the Scoping Plan recommendations.
• Every four years, DEC will publish a report on the implementation of GHG emission reduction measures, in consultation with the Council and CJWG.
• Every five years, the Council will update the Scoping Plan as part of the ongoing process to meet the Climate Act targets and GHG emissions reduction limits.
• By July 1, 2024, and every two years thereafter, the PSC will issue a comprehensive review of the renewable energy program, including progress in meeting the overall targets for 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040. This review will also include a progress update on the programs the PSC has established to require procurement of 9 GW of offshore wind by 2035, 6 GW of solar PV by 2025, and 3 GW of energy storage by 2030.
• The PSC will be responsible for continuing to advance programs that are designed to provide substantial benefits to Disadvantaged Communities in the implementation of the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs

Many of the Scoping Plan strategies also require action on the part of local governments or the State Legislature.

This landmark act and its implementation is being closely monitored by state and local governments and stakeholders around the nation. The final scoping plan may serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to address their greenhouse gas emissions. Strong support of energy storage in the final scoping plan can serve to benefit energy storage not just in New York State but nationwide.

Additional Resources:

• Climate Action Council Website
• NY-BEST Webinar on Draft Scoping Plan
• NY-BEST Comments on Draft Scoping Plan