Past energy policy choices have saddled New Yorkers with a whole host of problems. Power plants are the state’s largest source of industrial air pollution, contributing to climate change, mercury contamination and unhealthy air quality. Volatile energy markets and skyrocketing costs are hammering consumers.
New Yorkers deserve a comprehensive overhaul of how New York State addresses its energy choices. Smart energy policies that protect public health, the environment and consumers are needed for a strong future and economy. Visit the links below to learn what must be done to provide clean air, clean energy and a clear future.
- Fighting Climate Change - NYPIRG is urging lawmakers to adopt the recommendations of the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which urged that nations slash greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by the year 2050.
- Creating Clean and Green Energy Sources - In order to replace the burning of fossil fuels, NYPIRG is urging policy changes to encourage the development and use of clean sources of power, such as solar and wind power.
- Curbing Energy Costs Through Efficiency and Conservation - New Yorkers are suffering from the significant increase in the costs of fuel. NYPIRG is supporting measures that boost the state’s energy conservation and efficiency programs. The less fuel needed to heat homes, for example, the lower the cost to the resident – and the less greenhouse gases emitted. According to experts, the nation can reduce its energy needs by 30 percent through aggressive conservation and efficiency measures. NYPIRG also offers consumers reduced home heating costs through its Fuel Buyers Group.
- Reducing Emissions from Heavy Diesel Engines – Most of New York’s aging fleet of heavy diesels aren’t subject to modern emissions regulations and are spewing out pollutants at alarming rates, including particulate matter (PM) pollution and over half of our nation’s emissions of black carbon, a potent climate-warming agent. NYPIRG is supporting efforts to retrofit such vehicles and equipment with the best available emissions reduction technology.
Resources
If you want to examine federal and state government information on energy, visit:
