Skip to Content
Author: The BCW

Leave a Comment

New York’s Rush to Meet Clean Energy Goals Jeopardizes Power Reliability by John Ravitz

Regarding “New York’s fossil fuel use soared after Indian Point plant closure. Officials sound the alarm,” July 22:

I read with interest your recent story that included New York officials’ concerns about the future reliability of our electricity grid.

The Business Council of Westchester has repeatedly warned that New York’s renewable energy infrastructure is significantly behind schedule. In a rapid push to lower New York’s carbon emissions, elected officials are creating a power deficit that may bring us blackouts, economic losses, and even deaths.

New York hopes to close all fossil fuel generating plants by 2040 in favor of renewable generation coupled with large-scale battery storage facilities. It is a fantasy. Not only will there not be enough renewable generation to offset the existing fossil fuel electric load, but there will be insufficient excess energy to charge the storage batteries.

Local communities are part of our problem. For example, something as critical as installing a power cable to bring hydropower from Quebec to Queens was stalled in litigation. The negative mindset is no different upstate. Nearly every county along the Great Lakes opposed Project GLOW (Great Lakes Offshore Wind).

Communities must stop blocking solar and battery-storage farm applications. We must also continue using nuclear power and natural gas during our power transition until the renewable sources are ready. To attract and keep businesses in New York, it is essential that we do everything possible to keep electric bills reasonable.

A sustainable and reliable energy landscape is possible for Westchester County and New York, but we must create it responsibly.

John Ravitz is executive vice president of the Business Council of Westchester.

Similar News Items

The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) hosted a dynamic panel discussion on Monday at Pace University, bringing together a diverse group of experts to explore the critical issue of establishing ethical standards and regulations for artificial intelligence. “Governing the Future: The Ethical Frontier of AI Regulations and Policy” was part of the BCW’s AI Alliance […]

Read Article

Bringing its exceptional brand of care to assisted living and memory care, BCW Member Broadview at Purchase College held a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday for its High Point Center for Care. More than 200 people attended the reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new center, which incorporates Broadview’s signature concept of intergenerational and lifelong […]

Read Article

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that $200 million in funding is available through the State’s two signature downtown revitalization and economic development programs—$100 million each for Round 9 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and Round 4 of the NY Forward program, which focuses on revitalizing smaller and rural downtowns. Together, the two programs have […]

Read Article

Become A Member

Join the county’s largest and most influential business organization today.

JOIN NOW!
The Business Council of Westchester is committed to helping businesses market, learn, advocate, and grow. Over 80 events and programs are offered every year, giving our members ample opportunity to connect and meet with businesses representatives in the Westchester community and beyond.
Back to top