AES & RISE Supports S.2935B (Parker) MEMORANDUM OF SUPPORT FOR THE JUST ENERGY TRANSITION ACT (S.2935B)

MEMO IN SUPPORT

S2935 (Parker), The “Just Energy Transition Act”

What does the Just Energy Transition Act (“JETA”) Do?

• The Act directs the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to create a study on phasing out and redeveloping fossil fuel facilities that produce over 4 gigawatts of electricity
  • The NYSERDA study has to address the phase out by 2030 and ensure sufficient electricity resources and reliability are maintained
  • The study also must address providing significant environmental and health benefits in disadvantaged communities, and creating and retaining jobs in New York
• Once the NYSERDA study is complete, the Public Service Commission (PSC) must open a proceeding on the redevelopment of fossil fuel facilities with competitively awarded renewable energy projects

Why is JETA Needed?

• The goal in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requires 70% of electricity be generated from renewable resources by 2030 and zero-emissions electricity by 2040
  • 89% of electricity in the Downstate region was generated from fossil fuels in 2021
  • JETA can serve as a nation-leading model for a planned transition from fossil fuel to renewable generation
  • JETA fosters renewable energy by a process to phase out fossil fuel plants through creative redevelopment plans that use existing infrastructure at lower costs to ratepayers
  • JETA represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform New York’s energy landscape, advance the state’s climate goals, and deliver victories for environmental justice and union labor, all while maintaining energy reliability

Please co-sponsor S.2935. Prioritizing the passage of JETA commits strong support to a plan to phase out fossil plants and provide New Yorkers with more access to renewable energy.

For more information, contact Charlie Pensabene, AES’ Government Relations Director for New York at (c) 518-779-1206, or Sid Nathan, Rise Light & Power’s Vice President for Public Policy at (c) 917-453-3436.