NYS Comptroller report calls for more action to meet state clean energy goals

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)— The New York State Comptroller’s Office recently released an audit saying for the state to reach its clean energy goals, more planning needs to happen.

New York State passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act back in 2019.

“Which creates a plan for New York State to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” explained Liz Moran, a policy advocate for EarthJustice.

A recent audit by the New York State Comptroller said while the state has made advancements in their efforts to reach the state’s energy goals, the Public Service Commission needs to improve its planning.

“Some of the issues identified in the audit were the fact that the PSC was relying on outdated data,” explained Maria Doulis, Deputy Comptroller for Budget and Policy Analysis. “Data that was several years old and kind of antiquated as part of a landscape that has really changed a lot in the last few years.”

According to Doulis, the audit mostly found there was not a comprehensive review of the plan to give a full picture on how progress was going.

“It really inhibits the ability to understand progress towards the act and to be able to take the steps needed to meet the goals.”

Another recommendation is to look into what transitioning to renewable energy is going to cost New Yorkers.

“To date, there is nothing definitive on how this will cost ratepayers and what the impact on bills will be for how long,” said Doulis. “And we know utility bills in the state are already rather high. So, care needs to be given to how this is implemented and there needs to be clarity for ratepayers on how this will affect their utility bills.”

The New York State Department of Public Service disagrees with many of the Comptroller’s findings saying,” DSP is pleased to note OSC found that the PSC and NYSERDA have taken considerable steps to transition to renewable energy…. But is disappointed that OSC overlooks several significant steps taken and factors that have impacted progress to date.”

The comptroller’s office made it clear that this audit does not make a determination on whether the state will meet its climate goals.

“Good data, good analysis, leads to planning, leads to execution, leads to success.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.