Organization pleased with Draft Plan’s prioritization of nature-based solutions to improve resiliency
Larchmont, NY — Save the Sound submitted written comments on Monday to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in response to its Draft New York State Energy Plan, which assesses the state’s future energy needs through 2040. Save the Sound is concerned that the Draft Plan abandons the lawfully established targets for greenhouse gas reductions and renewable energy production set forth in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, even as it proposes positive steps on nature-based solutions.
“We are disappointed that this Draft Plan’s all-of-the-above approach to energy production is taking us off schedule for meeting the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The CLCPA is the law. And it’s necessary to reversing the mounting consequences of this climate emergency, including the undermining of progress that’s been made to reduce nitrogen pollution in New York waters,” said David Ansel, vice president, Center for Water Protection at Save the Sound. “Renewable energy is the best option for protecting our natural resources, clean water, clean air, and habitat. It’s the only way forward if we’re going to meet the law’s requirements for greenhouse gas emissions in New York.”
“The Draft Plan’s focus on climate change, adaptation, and resiliency is a vital step forward for New York’s energy future and for the well-being of disadvantaged communities. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, integrating nature-based solutions—like preserving forests, wetlands, and floodplains—into energy planning is not just smart, it’s essential. These ecosystems provide powerful, cost-effective protection for communities and infrastructure, while also filtering pollutants, absorbing stormwater, and sequestering carbon. Building a clean energy future must go hand in hand with protecting the natural systems that help sustain it,” said Julianna McVeigh, climate and resilience campaigns manager for the Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute at Save the Sound.