Environmental groups push end-of-session priorities. Here's what they want
Fossil fuel power plants
With the future of NY HEAT uncertain, another priority for environmental groups focused on climate is the “Just Energy Transition Act,” or JETA.
The measure (S2935/A4866) would require NYSERDA to study competitive options to phase out the highest polluting power plants in the state and replace them with renewables. The Public Service Commission would be able to implement the recommendations in the study.
It provides extensive protections for workers impacted by closures of power plants and labor standards for any projects triggered by the measure.
The bill is an end-of-session priority for NY Renews, the influential coalition of environmental, environmental justice and labor groups. The measure has already passed the Senate.
“Environmental justice communities have long borne the disproportionate burden of polluting infrastructure," Eddie Bautista the executive director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, said.
He added that, "by transitioning the largest and most polluting facilities with renewable energy and battery storage, we can ensure that New York continues to lead the way in building the energy grid of the future while reducing the costs of the climate crisis that ratepayers and laborers will ultimately have to pay."
Hochul’s administration has not yet released its own study of options to shut down and transition highly polluting power plants in New York City. She announced the plan in her 2022 State of the State.