Last year, New York state committed to generating half of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2030. As the country’s third-largest population, New York now joins California (America’s most populous state) in having set a “50 by ‘30” renewable energy benchmark.
Mandatory and Enforceable 50 x ’30 Renewable Energy Standard
The program mandates that 50 percent of all electricity consumed in New York by 2030 come from clean and renewable energy sources. New York’s utilities and other electricity suppliers will be required to obtain 50 percent of New York’s electricity from renewable energy resources and will face penalties if they fail to comply.
As home to more than 85,000 clean energy jobs in fields like energy efficiency, solar energy, wind power, energy storage, and alternative-fuel vehicles, the “50 by ‘30” program will send those job numbers skyward in New York even more.
2 Percent Energy Savings Gains Annually
The Public Service Commission has also committed to expanding the state’s energy efficiency programs, which still needs to be implemented by subsequent commission actions later this year. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) will continue to prioritize the creation of a firm target of at least 2 percent energy-saving gains annually.
National Renewable Energy Goals
Although the majority are currently well below the 50 percent level, 29 states have established enforceable renewable energy goals. As home to more than 20 percent of the nation’s population, California and New York are moving in the right direction and setting the lead on energy savings with the “50 by ‘30” renewables decision.
Smaller states have also identified hefty goals- Hawaii, for example, has set a goal of 100 percent renewables by 2045, Vermont: 75 percent by 2032, and Oregon: 50 percent renewables by 2040. The hope is that many other states will ride the momentum to drive clean energy in the United States even further.
CNBC reports, “This clean energy standard shows you can generate the power necessary for supporting the modern economy while combating climate change,” said Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who first laid out the “50 by ’30” goal last year. “Make no mistake, this is a very threat that continues to grow by the day and I urge all other states to join us in this fight for our very future.”
Get Clean, Renewable Energy with KMB Design Group
As the trend of municipalities and state governments embracing higher levels of renewable energy continues, many organizations and businesses will need to operate even more sustainably in the years to come. Are you ready to become more “green” for a renewable future?
KMB Design Group has always been passionate about creating pollution-free, renewable energy, such as adding solar, for businesses of all sizes. As a full service engineering solutions provider licensed in the United States and Europe, we take a systematic approach to develop comprehensive engineering solutions for all of our clients. From conception through site acquisition, engineering and construction, we focus on collaboration and communication throughout the entire process.
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