Why Clean Path NY is a Win for Westchester and New York State  

The BCW believes strongly that Clean Path NY, an infrastructure project that will enable the delivery of more than 7.5 million megawatt-hours of emissions-free energy into New York City every year, 100% of which will be generated in New York State, will be a critical component in helping to meet the climate goals and challenges that we are facing in the ever-changing energy landscape.

That was the important message delivered by BCW Executive VP and COO John Ravitz in testimony before the New York State Public Service Commission’s Hearing on August 16.

“One of the BCW’s top legislative priorities is to address Westchester County’s changing energy landscape. The Indian Point Energy Center, the provider of approximately 25% of our region’s electricity ceased operations on April 30, 2021. In addition, a natural gas moratorium has remained in place for four years in the southern section of Westchester County,” said Ravitz.

Ravitz said that as the state looks to implement the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) in which mandates have been put in place, that by 2040, New York State must have 100% of our electricity generated from renewable energy sources. Westchester County has a critical role in New York’s energy transition.

He noted that Clean Path NY combines new clean wind and solar energy with state-of-the-art transmission to ensure a resilient, clean power supply for New York State. By connecting New York to its own, in-state renewable energy resources, which will help shore up our energy independence. “Clean Path NY is an investment in the growing green economy. The project will create more than 8,300 good-paying union jobs and catalyze $4.7 billion dollars in economic development, and create opportunities for local businesses and suppliers,” Ravitz noted.

He also said Clean Path NY is an investment in our public health. “The project will cut fossil fuel-fired from air pollutants from the statewide energy grid by 22% every year and avoid 49 million tons of CO2 emissions. This is an important benefit for Westchester residents for whom air quality is an increasing concern.”

He concluded, “Over the past five years, the BCW has been laser focused in stating a very simple but important point. If New York State wants to continue to attract and retain business to keep our economy strong, we will need to demonstrate that the state has a clear smart and secure energy delivery plan in place now and in the future. Achieving this will require a tremendous amount of work, mutual understanding, and cooperation on everyone’s part. It is for that reason that the Business Council of Westchester is proud to support the Clean Path NY project which will be a ‘win’ for Westchester businesses and residents and a Win for New York State.”