Governor Kathy Hochul is under fire from climate advocates after acknowledging that New York’s for-profit energy model isn’t delivering the renewable power the state needs — while continuing to sidestep a major public alternative already on the books.
In a statement following a court order that found her administration out of compliance with state climate law, Hochul pointed the finger at corporate developers for falling short on clean energy targets. But advocates say she’s leaving out a key fact: she has the authority to fix it.
Under the 2023 Build Public Renewables Act, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) can build and own renewable energy projects across the state. Supporters say that’s the fastest, most direct path to hit the goals of New York’s landmark climate law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). But instead of fully using NYPA’s powers, they argue, Hochul has leaned toward private deals — and even floated fossil fuel and nuclear options favored by the Trump administration.
“Governor Hochul has finally admitted what climate advocates and energy experts have been warning for years: that for-profit corporations won’t save us from the climate crisis,” the Public Power NY coalition said in a statement Monday.
They’re calling on Hochul to direct NYPA to build at least 15 gigawatts of publicly owned renewables by 2030 — enough, they say, to get the state back on track.
Advocates point out that NYPA has already shown signs of what’s possible. After major public pressure earlier this year, the agency revised its strategy and doubled its buildout plans from 3.3 GW to 7 GW. They argue that with that pace, hitting 15 GW by 2030 is within reach — if the governor commits.
The movement pushing for public renewables includes thousands of New Yorkers, several Assembly Members, and members of Congress, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. They argue the approach would not only help meet climate mandates but also cut utility bills and create tens of thousands of union jobs.
Now, they say the choice is Hochul’s: lead a Green New Deal-style transition, or let fossil fuel and for-profit interests keep the state from meeting its own climate goals.
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