New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has signed into law The Power NY Act of 2011, comprehensive energy legislation that encourages new investments in electric generating facilities across New York and creates the nation's first statewide "on-bill" recovery program to increase energy efficiency for homeowners and businesses.
The legislation, which was passed by the New York Assembly in June, was drafted to encourage investment in clean power plants, afford communities more opportunities to participate in the power-plant siting process and expand opportunities for homeowners and businesses to invest in energy efficiency under the Green Jobs/Green New York program.
The Power NY Act establishes a new process for the siting of electric generating facilities and repowering projects, encourages investments in clean power plants and affords communities more opportunities to meaningfully participate in the siting process, according to the governor's office.
Carol E. Murphy, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, praised the passage of the bill.
"From the beginning, Gov.Cuomo has emphasized that any investment in new power production must uphold New York's strong environmental protections, and I commend the governor today for signing a bill that reinvigorates the energy industry while ensuring robust safeguards for the environment,” she said. “By providing resources for communities to have a voice in the siting process, and a clear, timely path for decision-making, the Power NY Act recognizes the importance of involving all stakeholders in the decisions about new power plant facilities.”
For more information on the legislation, click here.
