New York comptroller finds flaws with climate law implementation

By Marie J. French | 07/18/2024 06:48 AM EDT

An audit criticized state agencies for a lack of transparency and their reliance on outdated forecasts.

Tom DiNapoli is pictured.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli found issues with the Public Service Commission's implementation of New York's landmark climate law. Hans Pennink/AP

ALBANY, New York — Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration needs to be more transparent about the costs of the state’s clean energy transition and its progress toward meeting the landmark climate law’s goals, an audit found.

Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office released an audit of the Public Service Commission and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s implementation of the state’s electric sector goals Wednesday. The audit found fault with the agencies’ lack of transparency on progress, including reliance on outdated forecasts, and recommended more attention on risks to the goals.

The Department of Public Service did not provide its response to the draft audit until July 1 — the same day PSC and NYSERDA officials acknowledged New York would not meet the 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030 target the audit focuses on.

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The audit, which began in 2022, highlights concerns about implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which was signed nearly five years ago by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the PSC considering delaying the 70 percent target by three years.

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