Clean Energy is Cutting Carbon Pollution in New York

Media Contacts
Heather Leibowitz

Environment New York Research & Policy Center

Clean Energy Is Cutting Carbon Pollution in New York

[New York, NY] – As public concern about extreme weather ramps up, New York is proving that we can win the fight against global warming. Clean energy policies, such as the Zero Emission Vehicle program, are significantly cutting emissions of carbon pollution – the leading cause of global warming – according to a new report by Environment New York Research & Policy Center. The report, “Moving America Forward,” demonstrated that New York’s Energy Efficiency Policy reduced carbon pollution by at least 1.7 million metric tons in 2012. That is comparable to the annual emissions from 350,000 cars. 

“By using energy more efficiently, and by generating more power from clean, renewable sources, we are delivering a one-two punch in the fight against global warming,” said Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York. “We’ve proven that we have what it takes to protect our children and future generations from the worst impacts of climate change. We will need firm limits on carbon pollution in order to deliver a knockout blow.”

Scientists say extreme weather, like Hurricane Sandy, foreshadows what could be a new normal of weather extremes that could threaten our future if we fail to act on climate. Coal- and gas-fired power plants are America’s largest source of the carbon pollution fueling global warming.

Environment New York pointed to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) plan to move forward with limits on carbon pollution from power plants as the next step to fight global warming and shift to clean energy. Right now the EPA limits arsenic, lead, soot and other pollution from power plants – but not carbon pollution. Power plants are America’s largest source of the carbon pollution fueling global warming, accounting for about 40 percent of total emissions.

Key findings from the report include:

  • Renewable electricity standards have helped New York develop enough renewable energy to offset as much carbon pollution as 118,750 cars produce in a year.
  • Energy efficiency policies have helped avoid as much carbon pollution as 518,750 cars produce in a year.
  • Limits on carbon pollution from power plants would build on New York’s success in using wind, solar, and energy efficiency to reduce carbon pollution.

“If we are to successfully meet the challenges that climate change presents, we must invest in innovation and energy efficiency,” said Congressman Paul Tonko of the U.S. House of Representatives. “Study after study warns against the dangers of continued ignorance of climate change, and state and federal leaders must work together to promote a cleaner environment for future generations while harnessing the massive job growth potential a clean energy market possesses.”

The Zero Emmision Vehicle Program is one example of how clean energy is repowering New York. “The report by Environment New York demonstrates that existing programs that cut carbon pollution are working, but much more needs to be done,” said Judith A. Enck, U.S. EPA Regional Administrator. “EPA has proposed important new national regulations that would reduce carbon pollution from fossil fuel power plants. Those proposed regulations, coupled with new investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, will go a long way in creating new jobs and getting us on a path of reducing carbon pollution.”

Heather Leibowitz pointed to opposition from power companies, the coal industry, and other big polluters as a roadblock to action. Already, groups from the American Petroleum Institute to the National Mining Association have launched campaigns to block or undermine federal carbon limits. 

“With enough willpower, New York can rise to any challenge. We’ve seen that climate solutions work – now it’s time for the next round,” Leibowitz concluded. “Our leaders can start by supporting the EPA’s plan to limit carbon pollution from power plants.”

“Climate change presents a threat to the economy, public health, and global security. If we are to successfully meet the challenges that climate change presents, we must invest in innovation, energy efficiency, and find new ways to reduce our crippling dependency on foreign oil,” added Tonko. “I thank Environment New York for their tireless efforts to enhance public health, boost the economy, and make our environment a better place for our children and grandchildren.” 

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Environment New York Research & Policy Center is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization. Our professional staff combines independent research, practical ideas, and tough-minded advocacy to overcome the opposition of powerful special interests and win real results for New York’s environment. As part of Environment America, we fight to protect our air, water, and open spaces here in New York, in state capitals across the country, and in Washington D.C.

Environment New York

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