During a visit to a Long Island power station, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright criticized renewable energy development policies from the Biden era.
“A significant portion of the funds allocated by the Biden administration pushed businesses and utilities to invest in making electricity more costly and less reliable,” Wright stated during a press event.
Subsequently, the Trump Administration announced the termination of 321 awards, claiming $7.5 billion in cuts to clean energy projects. Inside Climate News reported that many had already expired.
Empire Clean Cities, a nonprofit promoting alternative fuels to reduce emissions, was hit hard, losing over 90% of its $1.7 million grant. The organization received only $162,631 for its project aimed at reducing emissions in Hunts Point, Bronx, according to federal data. The area has an asthma hospitalization rate twice the city average, largely due to truck traffic.
“Residents see the impact of truck emissions on their air quality and health daily,” said Joy Gardner, executive director of Empire Clean Cities. “This project could have significantly improved their quality of life.”
Hunts Point, home to the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center, handles about 4.5 billion pounds of food annually, attracting significant freight traffic. New York City estimates these figures.
Empire Clean Cities is preparing to release an electrification plan for Hunts Point, involving local businesses and city agencies. The proposal includes fast-charging ports for electric vehicles and community outreach to encourage electric vehicle adoption. However, Gardner noted that certain aspects might face delays.
“It’s disheartening not to complete this with just a year left on the grant,” Gardner remarked. “We could have accomplished considerably more.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the grant cancellations, stating, “These cuts directly affect local businesses, jeopardizing jobs and slowing economic progress.”
Ken Lovett, Hochul’s senior communications advisor, acknowledged the cuts, noting the Trump administration’s approach to clean energy. An analysis by Inside Climate News showed that only 188 of the 321 grants were still active. They calculated $4.87 billion in cuts, about two-thirds of the Department of Energy’s announced figure.
For New York, 20 active awards were impacted, resulting in approximately $146 million in lost funding. Governor Hochul aims to continue addressing the state’s climate goals despite setbacks. She has invested significantly, allocating $1 billion to clean energy projects and directing the New York Power Authority to explore nuclear options.
Hochul’s Predicament
In Brooklyn, Public Power NY hosted a gathering where officials and residents expressed dissatisfaction with Hochul’s progress on renewable energy. State Senator Jabari Brisport voiced concerns, saying, “We need a governor who acts promptly.”
The Climate Act sets ambitious targets for New York, aiming for a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 and 85% by 2050. Residents called for the New York Power Authority to meet these goals by building 15 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, despite the utility’s current plan for 7 gigawatts.
Hochul faces challenges in meeting these objectives, especially as legislation like the All-Electric Building Act mandates a transition to electric-only systems. The act was integrated into state building codes, similar to a 2021 law in New York City.
Secretary Wright mentioned productive discussions with Hochul, hinting at two proposed gas pipelines previously rejected by the state to reduce heating costs.
Speculation arose after a post by Secretary Burgum suggested Hochul might support pipeline projects in exchange for advancing the Empire Wind project. Within weeks, the Constitution and NESE pipelines re-entered the regulatory process.
The Constitution pipeline would transport gas from Pennsylvania to New York, while the NESE pipeline would extend gas infrastructure through New Jersey and New York. The state has rejected the NESE project three times due to environmental concerns.
In July, National Grid incorporated the NESE pipeline into its long-term gas strategy as an addendum. The company must submit long-term plans following a dispute with former Governor Cuomo over the NESE pipeline.
The NESE Pipeline Resurfaces
The Public Service Commission recently identified NESE as essential for meeting energy demands. Last year’s Winter Storm Elliott highlighted vulnerabilities in the system, as reported by the Federal Energy Regulator Commission.
Opposition remains strong, with Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella and U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaking against the pipeline. Concerns focus on water quality and potential rate increases.
Kim Fraczek, executive director of Sane Energy, argued that the pipeline prioritizes fossil fuel interests at the expense of New York families, potentially increasing costs. A report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis estimated the pipeline could cost $1.25 billion, impacting ratepayers.
National Grid estimates the pipeline would add $7.50 monthly to bills but argues it would lower electricity costs by reducing gas prices.
Secretary Wright criticized New York’s Climate Act for its net-zero targets by 2040, suggesting they elevate energy prices. A Public Service Commission report found that Climate Act measures account for a small percentage of monthly energy bills. Infrastructure upgrades, including a $5 billion system upgrade by National Grid, also drive rate increases.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org