State is still falling short of short-term energy goals.
A recent study seems to show that New York could get the power it needs from natural sources by 2030 in a concerted push.
The study from Stanford and Cornell universities noted that wind, water, and sunlight could be seen to be be given a boost and may be able to meet the state’s power needs by 2030.
The study, which was led by researcher from the two universities provides a theoretical roadmap on how New Yorkers may be able to rely on renewable energy in after a concerted push to that time period. The move would require massive investments in both wind turbines and solar panels. It would also take a large investment in windy shores off Long Island and to the rooftops of many homes upstate.
“It’s doable,” said co-author Robert Howarth, a Cornell professor of ecology and environmental biology. “It’s way outside of the realm of what most people are talking about … But I think people have been too pessimistic about what can be done.”
New York has been committed to significantly increasing green energy production for nearly a decade now. Then-Governor George Pataki began a
surcharge of less than a dollar a month in 2004 to help fund green energy efforts. The move was to help New York reach a goal of a quarter of its electricity being renewable energy by 2013.
The goal has been tweaked in recent years and is now looking to create a 30% renewable rate by 2015. With just two years to go, clean energy advocates say it will be a difficult task for New York to hit its goals. They still believe New York is making progress, however.
“To me, the long-term commitment to continue to invest in resources is more important than the particular target you set,” said Valerie Strauss, interim executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, a group that represents renewable energy interests.
A recent study seems to show that New York could get the power it needs from natural sources by 2030 in a concerted push.
The study from Stanford and Cornell universities noted that wind, water, and sunlight could be seen to be be given a boost and may be able to meet the state’s power needs by 2030.
The study, which was led by researcher from the two universities provides a theoretical roadmap on how New Yorkers may be able to rely on renewable energy in after a concerted push to that time period. The move would require massive investments in both wind turbines and solar panels. It would also take a large investment in windy shores off Long Island and to the rooftops of many homes upstate.
“It’s doable,” said co-author Robert Howarth, a Cornell professor of ecology and environmental biology. “It’s way outside of the realm of what most people are talking about … But I think people have been too pessimistic about what can be done.”
New York has been committed to significantly increasing green energy production for nearly a decade now. Then-Governor George Pataki began a
surcharge of less than a dollar a month in 2004 to help fund green energy efforts. The move was to help New York reach a goal of a quarter of its electricity being renewable energy by 2013.
The goal has been tweaked in recent years and is now looking to create a 30% renewable rate by 2015. With just two years to go, clean energy advocates say it will be a difficult task for New York to hit its goals. They still believe New York is making progress, however.
“To me, the long-term commitment to continue to invest in resources is more important than the particular target you set,” said Valerie Strauss, interim executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, a group that represents renewable energy interests.
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