One may easily believe that the process should be all or nothing as New York’s shift to a clean energy economy proceeds. We must acknowledge our circumstances and acknowledge that this transition will be gradual, even while achieving the objectives outlined by the Climate Leadership and Protection Act (CLCPA) is still the ultimate goal.
The energy infrastructure in New York is not set up to support a full transition to renewable energy. The grid would be overridden, efficiencies would be reduced, and energy bills for local businesses and regular New Yorkers would increase. This will impede future clean energy initiatives that may provide thousands of union jobs, impair community development, and deter corporate investment in the state.
To enable a future green economy, a practical energy strategy that incorporates nuclear and gas in addition to the expansion of wind and solar is required. The aforementioned approach is currently the most effective way to boost economic development, support and build the workforce, and raise affordability in the long run.
The state’s electricity demand is exceeding its supply, and renewable energy sources are not expanding quickly enough to close these gaps. This has merely put further burden on a grid that already needs to be strengthened, resulting in reliability problems and service interruptions. In order to prevent an over-reliance on intermittent sources that cannot ensure continuous generation, we also need to ensure that the grid has adequate stable power.
Because of this, initiatives like the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) and Constitution Pipeline are crucial right now because they will help the state’s expanding energy needs more quickly, which will allow for more investments in clean energy while also creating economic stimulus and middle-class pathways.
More natural gas flow to Long Island and New York City would be made available by NESE, saving consumers up to $6 billion in expenses, of which $2.75 billion would go directly to Downstate households. Additionally, the project would boost the state’s gross domestic product by $23.7 million, which will assist our communities, and create over 3,000 union jobs, giving hardworking New Yorkers the chance to support their families.
In a similar vein, the Constitution Pipeline will relieve a major strain on the existing network by adding enough natural gas to cover the daily needs of around 3 million residences. Additionally, the project will create over 1,500 union construction jobs, provide local blue-collar people with $26 million in direct labor pay, and generate $13 million in property tax revenue for the economy.
Furthermore, expanding natural gas options need not be a barrier to enhancing carbon footprints and producing sustainable energy. By making fuel switching easier, these projects will also help reduce emissions and improve air quality, which is in line with the state’s environmental objectives.
Energy infrastructure development must be a dynamic process that takes into account the needs of the state as well as the scalability of power sources and projects. Our search of alternative choices need not be condemned in order to invest in the expansion of a pipeline network.
The Equinor offshore wind project, NYSERDA’s large-scale energy storage and renewables procurements, NYPA’s push to create both nuclear and renewable electricity, and additional offshore development are all initiatives that require support and must proceed.
In order to continue ensuring that New Yorkers not only have access to the energy they require, but also satisfy the expectations of corporate investment and economic development in the state, a robust ecosystem of diverse energy investment that satisfies immediate needs is required. Reliable energy availability encourages investment, assists businesses that rely on gas, and keeps New York competitive.
Over time, this will pave the way for additional clean energy investment and enable a transition that is feasible, scalable, and beneficial to all New Yorkers. Priority one should be given to developing a green economy that boosts the middle class, lowers overall energy prices, helps our environment, and produces good union jobs. Another element in this process is to increase the dependability of the natural gas network.
New York requires a comprehensive energy plan that realistically and efficiently integrates both conventional and renewable energy sources if we are to achieve our objectives.
LaBarbera is the president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York as well as the NYS Building Trades.
