New York State Clean Energy Technology Production Program - Summer

Team Members: Alison Wolters, Lee Hager, Elaine Angeles, Maria Chavez, Stephanie Díaz, Yousef Koutnik, Shao-ChenLu, Tavo True-Alcala, Cornelia Wu, Shilin Xia, Yu Yen

New York State has established ambitious climate and energy goals under its Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative, including generating 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. Despite these targets, natural gas remained the state’s dominant energy source, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, habitat disruption, and public health risks. Commercial and industrial users accounted for nearly two-thirds of statewide energy consumption but lacked access to funding mechanisms that supported renewable energy and efficiency improvements for smaller consumers. The proposed Clean Energy Technology Production Program (AB 1705B) was designed to address this gap by allowing large energy users to reinvest funds they already contributed into clean energy and efficiency upgrades.

Analysis identified renewable energy deployment, advanced energy management systems, and efficiency measures such as LED lighting and improved insulation as the most cost-effective strategies for reducing emissions and energy consumption. Self-direct funding mechanisms increase participation by allowing facilities to tailor projects to operational needs while maintaining accountability through performance reporting. Expanding clean energy investment among large users would accelerate emissions reductions, improve air quality, and strengthen grid resilience. By aligning financial incentives with climate policy goals, the program creates a scalable pathway for reducing fossil fuel dependence while maintaining economic competitiveness and advancing statewide climate targets.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.