New York Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed state senate bill S6218A, the Planned Offshore Wind Transmission Act: a piece of legislation that aimed “to establish a plan for improved transmission planning and coordination systems for an offshore grid.”
Central to the bill is a requirement that the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) work with the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) to oversee procurements for independent transmission systems to integrate the next round of offshore wind projects and include recommendations in the plan.
The legislation – introduced by State Sen. Kevin Parker – also requires a benefit-cost-analysis and ratepayer impact study to determine the overall costs of implementing planned transmission and coordinated systems for an offshore grid.
“In anticipation that the state’s mandated offshore wind goal will increase, improved planning and coordination is needed to reduce costs and minimize community and environmental impacts of offshore wind expansion in New York State,” the bill states.
“In addition, a more cohesive approach is needed now to build on the momentum of the Inflation Reduction Act and other once-in-a generation measures to start the build-out of a lower-cost, lower impact offshore wind transmission system.”
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) has commented that “Hochul must get serious about reaching 70 percent clean energy by 2030.”
“Today, she dealt a significant blow to the state’s own goals by vetoing legislation that would allow a local government to negotiate for itself in seeking the delivery of clean, affordable power generated by offshore wind,” says Moira Cyphers, ACP’s director of eastern region state affairs.
“We urge Governor Hochul to support this critical industry and the thousands of jobs it will create with real action. She must put New York back on track to developing these critical clean energy projects and living up to the state’s promise of being a clean energy leader.”
Hochul, a steady proponent of clean energy initiatives, has not yet commented on why she vetoed the bill.
