Pages tagged "Op Eds"
Times Union | Fund, carbon tax both aid clean energy transition
Reading the Nov. 10 editorial "Not so easy getting green," I felt as if it were a bucket of cold water dousing those of us who want to think that passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act represented progress against climate change. It was sobering to read that not one wind farm has been built in the last nine years with 16 wind projects being held up and awaiting approval.
Despite the bad news, we should avoid adopting a tone of indignation (too often the fallback position nowadays) and offer approaches to this inaction. The editorial refers to the plan to create a $1 billion fund in the next state budget for climate change projects ranging from mass transit to aid to municipalities when fossil fuel plants close. Another proposal mentioned is a carbon tax, which would use market forces to make renewable energy more competitive.
Read MoreTimes Union | Commentary: Carbon pricing will fuel renewable energy transition
New York's economy could stand to gain more than $3 billion if the state's electric grid operator adopts a simple policy change: putting a price on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
This is the conclusion of a new study released by the New York Independent System Operator, which manages the state's electricity grid. The report details how carbon pricing in New York's energy markets is a cost-effective way for the state to hit its clean energy targets. NYISO's analysis makes a strong case for a carbon pricing policy, but support from state policymakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo will likely be needed in order for the policy to move forward, unlocking billions in economic, environmental and public health benefits.
Read MoreTimes Union | Letter to the editor: Carbon tax will help fight climate crisis
The leaders of the Citizens' Climate Lobby chapters in the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks agree with the Times Union editorial board that a carbon tax is what's needed to address the climate crisis ("A case for a carbon tax," Oct. 10).
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