NYSAC Urges Renewed Focus on Meeting Energy Needs for Statewide Growth and Sustained Economic Development

Counties call for strategic action to support a more robust and affordable energy supply for communities for new housing projects, economic development, and a stronger grid infrastructure amid the state’s renewable energy transition

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) is calling for a renewed and targeted focus on the energy needs of communities across the state. As local leaders work to expand housing, enhance affordability, and drive economic development, county leaders are calling on state leaders to address the availability and reliability of electricity to fulfill these goals.

At its annual board meeting this week, the NYSAC Board of Directors heard a presentation from the chief economist from Constellation Energy, America’s leading clean energy company. After a lengthy discussion about the generation of electricity, from cradle to grave, and the increasing challenges facing New York communities as they transition to the use of more renewable energy generation to power homes and businesses across the state.

“Right now, we need a balanced and diversified approach to electric generation sources. Everything should be on the table: natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy sources from water, wind, solar, and geothermal heat pumps,” said NYSAC President Elect Phil Church, the Oswego County Administrator.

“We need to face the fact that using fossil fuels is an obvious and necessary component of meeting the energy needs today. That means we have to take a fresh look at natural gas, which we have naturally in New York. But let’s use those as a bridge to more innovative renewable energy sources of tomorrow,” said Stephen J. Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties.

New York State was home to Thomas Edison when he invented the first practical and commercially viable electric light bulb and developed systems for generating and distributing electricity. That was over 150 years ago in 1882. It’s time for New York to take that mantle of energy innovation back.

“It appears that we lose more than half of our generated electricity through resistance and heat in our distribution lines. With some of the smartest minds in the world doing research and studying right here in New York, we need to focus their efforts and talents on addressing this issue. We can, and should, be doing more to build a better electricity grid for tomorrow,” said NYSAC President Benjamin Boykin, a Westchester County legislator.

“New York State should be investing in its electricity infrastructure, instead of relying on our utility companies and ratepayers, who are already having trouble paying their energy bills,” said Tompkins County Legislator Shawna Black.

As they called for a renewed focus on a robust and affordable energy system, NYSAC leaders emphasized the importance of prioritizing three critical pillars.

• Economic Development and Jobs: Ensuring communities have access to affordable and reliable electricity to attract businesses and create well-paying jobs.
  
  
• More Electricity Generation: Expanding generation capacity to meet rising energy demands as the state electrifies heating, transportation, and other sectors.
  
  
• Improved Infrastructure: Upgrading transmission and distribution systems to ensure energy reliability and resilience while accommodating renewable sources.

Specifically, NYSAC is calling on state leaders to create a centralized energy czar, explore nuclear energy creation options, leverage access to natural gas, and to invest in the electricity grid infrastructure.

Speaking about the urgent need to address energy challenges and promote economic justice, NYSAC President Benjamin Boykin said, “Historically, energy generation facilities have been located in disadvantaged communities. We need to be cognizant of that as we build equitable and sustainable communities. This is not only an environmental imperative but also an economic and social one.”

New York’s counties are working closely with state and local leaders at the forefront of housing and economic development efforts, and we recognize that reliable electricity is foundational to ensuring our communities can thrive. To meet the state’s climate goals while supporting growth, we must prioritize electricity generation, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded access to affordable energy.”

NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario echoed these sentiments, stating, “Counties need the tools to build equitable and sustainable communities. To achieve this, we must focus on investing in the critical energy infrastructure that supports economic development, housing, and affordability while transitioning to renewable energy. This is not only an environmental imperative but also an economic and social one.”

The CLCPA has set ambitious milestones for sourcing electricity from renewable energy, including achieving 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040. NYSAC urges state leaders, energy planners, and stakeholders to align efforts with the needs of local communities as they seek to grow and prosper in this historic transition.

NYSAC remains committed to advocating for the needs of New York’s counties and working collaboratively to ensure the state’s energy policies foster inclusive growth and sustainability.

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Media Contact: Mark LaVigne| mlavigne@nysac.org | 518-465-1473 x206