NEW REPORT: Building Congress Sounds Alarm on Challenges Threatening New York’s Climate Goals, Energy Future 

For Immediate Release: Nov. 20, 2024

Building Congress Sounds the Alarm on Challenges Threatening New York’s Climate Goals, Energy Future 

New New York Building Congress Report Highlights Key Steps Needed for CLCPA’s Success

To Guarantee Reliable Energy In The Future, New York Requires Full-Scale Upgrade Energy Transmission Network, a Renewed Focus On Nuclear Power and Shifting Onus From Utility Ratepayers To Dedicated Fund In State Budget

New York, N.Y. (Nov. 20, 2024) — New York State is at a critical crossroads in its pursuit of clean energy and sustainability goals, according to the New York Building Congress’ latest report, “Powering the Empire State.” Released today, the report warns that without accelerated investments in energy infrastructure and viable policy reforms, the State will be unable to meet the targets of 2019’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). 

Despite progress in renewable energy adoption, New York still faces steep challenges in modernizing its grid, expanding clean energy production, and meeting rising energy demand, which is expected to double by 2050—requiring at least triple the renewable energy production of today to meet future needs. At the same time, the CLCPA aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050 and achieve a 70% renewable energy grid by 2030. The difference between the State’s goals and the reality of where we stand today must be addressed if we want to succeed. Case in point, as of today, the majority of the State’s energy production is still fossil fuels, with only 28% coming from renewable sources.

Without major investments in transmission, energy storage, and next-generation power sources—paired with strong policy action from elected leaders—New York risks falling far short of its CLCPA goals and facing an unreliable grid unable to handle future energy demands. The New York Building Congress recommends upgrading grid and transmission infrastructure statewide, investing in new nuclear energy developments, and establishing a robust renewable energy fund within the state budget. The report also highlights model transmission projects statewide and how they can play into the needs of years to come.

“New York has made bold commitments to a more sustainable future, but the path to achieving these goals requires immediate, collaborative action,” said Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President and CEO of the New York Building Congress. “State leaders must focus on upgrading infrastructure, streamlining permitting, and investing in workforce training. We cannot afford delay – we must secure a cleaner, more resilient future for our children and grandchildren in a way that still fosters growth and opportunity for New Yorkers today.” 

Key insights from the report include: 

• Current projections show the state is on track to achieve a 53% renewable energy grid by 2030, falling well short of the original 70% target. Despite growth in renewable projects, significant gaps remain in offshore wind and energy storage capacity and the current grid is 50% reliant on fossil fuels, with renewables contributing only 28%.
• Electricity demand is forecast to increase by 90% by 2042, driven by the electrification of homes and vehicles, as well as an escalation of data centers and the increasing use of AI.
• Adding nuclear energy to the grid could cut the total costs of power generation and transmission upgrades by 37% because fewer upgrades are required compared to other renewable energy sources. Nuclear energy also provides a steady, carbon-free energy source, filling critical gaps left by the limited progress in offshore wind and energy storage development. The closure of Indian Point was one of the biggest energy-policy mistakes in state history, causing fossil fuel reliance to increase by 11%.
• By 2050, New York City alone will need over 900,000 charging stations to support an estimated 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles. Currently, there are about 15,500 charging stations statewide and just over 251,000 EVs on New York’s roads, highlighting the immense challenge ahead.
• The rapid adoption of energy-efficient heat pumps is driving electrification in residential and commercial heating, reducing emissions and increasing energy efficiency. However, their growth is projected to create a new winter electricity peak that is 3X higher than the current summer peak, requiring expanded renewable energy capacity and enhanced storage solutions to maintain reliability.

Key recommendations from the Building Congress include:

• Transition renewable energy financing from utility ratepayers to a state-supported fund within the budget. This will be a transformative policy shift that requires partnership, constructive discussion, and bold action from industry leaders and elected officials. 
• Lay the policy groundwork for building cutting-edge nuclear facilities, including Small Modular Reactors, to secure a reliable and sustainable energy future.
• Expedite approvals and connections through the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) by streamlining processes and bolstering staff capacity to meet demand.
• Leverage Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) in hard-to-electrify industries to close energy gaps while renewable technologies grow to scale.
• Provide increased incentives to expand battery storage capacity to ensure grid stability during high-demand periods.
• Direct the NY Power Authority to invest in critical transmission upgrades to allow for the integration of renewable energy sources.

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About The New York Building Congress

The New York Building Congress, a broad-based membership association celebrating its 103rd year, is committed to promoting the growth and success of the construction industry in New York City and its environs. Learn more about the New York Building Congress at www.buildingcongress.com.