The New York State Energy Planning Board has unveiled its 2025 Draft State Energy Plan, marking a significant step in the state’s ongoing battle against climate change and its commitment to decarbonizing the energy grid over the next 15 years.
This ambitious plan comes in the wake of challenges posed by the Trump administration, particularly its opposition to renewable energy sources like offshore wind and solar power. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to halt all federal wind permits, impacting the broader national energy landscape.
Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, spoke to the complexities facing the state in shaping its energy future, particularly amidst federal headwinds. “So we’re looking at our fossil fuel infrastructure. We’re looking at the build-out of renewables, but we’re also looking at the other types of generation, like nuclear,” Harris stated.
In a pivotal move, Governor Kathy Hochul mandated the New York Power Authority to initiate the development and construction of the state’s first new nuclear power facility in a generation.
The development of the Draft State Energy Plan commenced in September 2024, driven by New York’s ambitious climate objectives under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The plan targets the goal of achieving 100 percent zero-emission electricity by 2040.
Harris emphasized that this comprehensive plan is designed to address not just energy needs but also economic development, affordability, reliability, and environmental justice. “So the plan is really solving, not only for the needs of the energy system, but the mutual objectives of affordability, reliability and economic development, all while supporting equity and a healthy environment,” she explained.
To gather public input on this significant initiative, the State Energy Planning Board is organizing both virtual and in-person hearings throughout August and September, aiming to engage citizens about the broader implications of the energy transition.
NYSERDA Senior Advisor for policy and analysis, Hillel Hammer, highlighted the public health benefits projected from the plan. These include substantial cumulative benefits from 2025 to 2040, such as an estimated 9,700 cases of avoided premature mortality, 4,100 instances of non-fatal heart attacks, and approximately 12,500 asthma-related emergency room visits. “So these are substantial benefits over the period,” Hammer noted.
Hope Knight, President & CEO and Commissioner at Empire State Development, praised the plan for its thoughtful analysis amid uncertainty. Knight emphasized the importance of cross-collaboration among state agencies, stating that ESD is working hand-in-hand with the Department of Public Service, NYSERDA, and NYPA to align responsive policies and programs to support new commercial industrial investments.
“For example, the $300 million Power Up fund will support the proactive development of electric infrastructure to create power-ready sites that can accommodate new commercial industrial investment opportunities. ESD is working hand in hand with DPS on this initiative,” Knight mentioned.
Harris characterized the energy plan as both ambitious and achievable, stating, “This is a very pragmatic plan. We know we need to solve for multiple variables at the same time, and this takes a real bottom-up look at how we can practically be planning into the future, against those priorities.”
She stressed the importance of an energy system that caters to the needs of New Yorkers: “Our energy system is something that needs to be affordable, reliable and support all the good things happening as we bring in new industries to our state, and this multifaceted plan is really moving forward a path to achieve those outcomes.”
As New York moves to electrify housing, transportation, and various other infrastructures, skepticism remains among some Republicans in the state legislature regarding the costs and feasibility of fulfilling the ambitious green energy goals outlined in the plan.
The public comment period for the plan is open until October 6, providing an opportunity for community feedback on this critical initiative.
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