Given the growing menace of global warming and the skyrocketing costs of the burning of fossil fuels, New York must dramatically increase its use of non-polluting and renewable energy sources. Over half of the electricity used in New York was generated by fossil fuels:
- 36 percent comes from a combination of oil and gas.
- 18 percent from gas alone.
- 8 percent from oil alone.
- 8 percent from coal.
The remainder of power came from nuclear power reactors (13 percent), hydroelectric (14 percent), and other "renewables" (3 percent) such as biomass and wind. These numbers vary from year to year depending on a number of factors, such as fuels prices and amount demanded.
While wind is among the least utilized energy resources now, it is emissions free and the fastest growing source of electricity in New York, the nation, and on the globe. To help make sure the electricity mix has more green power in it, a state standard requires that about one-quarter of the electricity sold in New York State come from clean renewable sources - like wind, solar and small hydro ‚ by 2013.
In 2008, legislation was passed that will boost the use of solar and wind power in New York. This legislation significantly encourages the development of clean renewable energy in New York by allowing more electricity customers to “plug in” to the benefits of net metering. Net metering allows customers who generate their own solar or wind power on-site to sell excess electricity to their local utility, which then distributes it to other customers on the grid.
Clean renewable technologies are good for the environment, consumers and the economy. The main benefits are:
- No Pollution. They are emissions-free, so it does not harm human health, does not contribute to mercury contamination, acid rain or global warming.
- Stable Prices. The price of these types or electricity is in the project's construction and ongoing maintenance. They do not rely on the price of fuel, driven by a volatile market to set the price. This provides a stabilizing effect on energy prices.
- New Jobs. During the construction of renewable energy projects, there will be short-term construction jobs, which can be filled by local community members. For instance, at least one permanent job is usually added for every 10-20 wind turbines built.
Learn more about fast growing wind power. Wind projects impact the communities where they are built to varying degrees and in different ways, potentially positively or negatively. For instance, a wind project can change the view-shed and contribute to the local tax base. As more projects have been built and technological advances have been made, experience has been gained to mitigate potential negative impacts and maximize the benefits.
Fact Sheets About Wind Power:
Wind Basics
Frequently Asked Questions
Myths & Facts About Wind Energy
Comparing Sources of Power
Visual and Sound
Wildlife
Land Use
Main Energy Page | Fighting Global Warming | Clean and Green Energy Sources | Curbing Energy Costs
