On March 24, 2022, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts plan to submit a joint proposal to the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to secure a portion of the $8 billion set aside for regional hydrogen hubs when applications open in May. This alignment represents a critical step in advancing New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050.
Continue Reading New York Leads Four-State Consortium for Portion of $8B Regional Hydrogen Hub Funds
A Big Day for Clean Energy: $1.4 Trillion Federal Spending Package Extends Tax Credits and Provides Research Funding for Clean Energy Projects and Technology
On the evening of December 21, 2020, Congress provided a last-minute boost for clean energy projects and technology by passing a $1.4 trillion federal spending bill together with a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package. According to Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, “[the bill] represents the first modernization of our nation’s energy policies in well over a decade.” In particular, the bill’s clean energy provisions include:
Continue Reading A Big Day for Clean Energy: $1.4 Trillion Federal Spending Package Extends Tax Credits and Provides Research Funding for Clean Energy Projects and Technology
Phillips Lytle – Part of New York State’s First Green Bank Transactions
Last week, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s office announced the first transactions of the New York Green Bank (“NY Green Bank”). Among those transactions is a four-megawatt solar project by BQ Energy’s Steel Sun, LLC on the former site of the Bethlehem Steel Plant in Lackawanna, N.Y.
The NY Green Bank is a financial institution that lends at market rates and is funded by ratepayer fees on utility bills that are specifically allotted towards renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in New York State.
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Surge in New York State Solar Projects Signals Supply Chain Opportunity
By Susan Marriott
While some believe that New York State is a relatively sunny state, this spring has, so far, made others question this tag. However, New York is looking to take advantage of its sunshine through the NY-Sun Competitive PV Program, which recently awarded $46 million for 76 large-scale solar energy projects. These solar energy projects will add 52 megawatts of energy capacity, enough to power almost 9,000 homes. Over the next couple years, the program has the potential to quadruple the amount of customer-sited solar photovoltaic capacity in New York.
Continue Reading Surge in New York State Solar Projects Signals Supply Chain Opportunity
NYS Public Service Commission Approves Increased Incentives for On-Site Wind Energy Program
By Donald T. Ross
Faced with the twin challenges of meeting New York State’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (“RPS”)—which sets renewable energy consumption targets and milestones for the State—and the current economic conditions which have “stalled the renewable industry,” the Public Service Commission (“PSC”) has increased, effective February 14, 2013, the cap on available incentives for “customer-sited” or “behind-the-meter” on-site wind turbine installation projects.
Continue Reading NYS Public Service Commission Approves Increased Incentives for On-Site Wind Energy Program
Wind Energy Development In The Great Lakes Again A Priority
By Susan Marriott
Wind energy development in the Great Lakes has seemingly stalled, but a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between five Great Lakes states and ten federal agencies may renew hopes for locating wind turbines in the Great Lakes.
The purpose of the MOU is to “support the efficient, expeditious, orderly and responsible review of proposed offshore wind energy projects in the Great Lakes by enhancing coordination among federal and Great Lakes state regulatory agencies.” Specifically, the MOU requires the creation of a regulatory roadmap, to set forth a streamlined permitting process with joint reviews of applications and clear guidance on data collection, permit processing times and agency responsibilities.
Continue Reading Wind Energy Development In The Great Lakes Again A Priority
Stimulus Grants for Renewable Energy Projects: How to Make Sure Your Project Qualifies
By Donald T. Ross
A critical component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 (a.k.a. the Stimulus) is the Department of Treasury’s (“Treasury”) Payments for Specified Energy in Lieu of Tax Credits. Rather than claim a tax credit based on placing certain specified energy property in service, applicants receive a cash grant directly from the United States Treasury during the year in which the property is placed in service. As with most targeted government incentives, the devil is in the details, particularly as to the timing of the project.
Continue Reading Stimulus Grants for Renewable Energy Projects: How to Make Sure Your Project Qualifies