For Immediate Release: June 21, 2013
Travis Proulx: 518-462-5526 x238

Chambers Pass Differing Solar Bills,
Must Reach Agreement on Plan to Modernize Infrastructure

Statement from Environmental Advocates NY

“New York’s 21st-century energy future must include clean, affordable, and renewable solar power. Other states are modernizing their infrastructure and creating much-needed new jobs, but New York has been falling behind. Given the devastation our communities have already experienced from climate change, and the deficiencies of our infrastructure following Superstorm Sandy, solar must play an integral role in making the electric grid more resilient.

The state Assembly overwhelming passed Governor Cuomo’s program bill that will significantly bolster solar power in New York – promising thousands of new jobs and clean energy for 400,000 homes over the next 10 years. We applaud them for their leadership on renewable energy matters. A similar initiative also passed in the Senate.

But right now we still only have promises. Our Senators and Assemblymembers deserve applause for their commitment to solar power, but the job won’t be done, and the benefits won’t be realized, until leaders from the two houses work together to finalize a single plan for the Governor to sign before leaving Albany.

Environmental Advocates is ready to work with Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders, as well as our organizational partners who have fought tirelessly for this initiative, to make New York a national leader in solar power.”

###