Hallmarks of energy plan: efficiency, reliability, security
The Business Review (Albany) - by William Flynn For The Business Review
The Sept. 11th attacks on America forced all of us to examine the need for additional security. Not just security for of our borders, businesses, or homes, but also energy security. The attacks reminded us that energy security and national security are closely linked, and one of the best ways to achieve energy security is through careful planning and strong commitments to energy efficiency and indigenous energy resources.
While the issue of energy security extends well beyond New York state's borders, New York is leading by example by developing plans that will ultimately lessen our dependence on imported energy, preserve and protect our environmental resources, and stimulate economic development and job growth.
On Dec. 11, three months to the day after the attack on America, the New York State Energy Planning Board approved a draft state energy plan, providing policy makers and state agencies with a blueprint that addresses the need to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, additional electricity generation and infrastructure, and alternative fuels to improve the security and diversity of the state's energy mix.
This balanced approach acknowledges the economic and environmental benefits of cleaner and environmentally responsible technologies while remaining cognizant of the need for new energy supplies to ensure adequate, secure and reliable energy service for our homes, businesses and transportation systems. California's recent experience with rolling blackouts highlights the need for a balanced plan to meet the growing energy needs of citizens, businesses and industries.
The state's draft plan builds upon Gov. George Pataki's commitment to improving energy efficiency, developing the state's renewable and indigenous energy resources, and bringing new energy electricity supplies online quickly with an expedited power plant siting process.
One of the top priorities of the plan is to stimulate technological innovation to bolster energy security and spur economic development, job growth and environmental protection. Emerging technologies such as fuel cells, microturbines, and photovoltaics can efficiently supply on-site power to homes and businesses, and typically with fewer environmental impacts than conventional power plants. Investing in programs that help utility customers cut energy demand or install on-site power generation can lessen the need for new central station power plants and relieve some of the burden on the state's transmission infrastructure.
The plan also reflects Gov. Pataki's desire to stimulate economic growth in ways that preserve our natural resources and protect our environment. It recognizes the inextricable link between economic activity and the availability and price of energy. New York state is situated at the end of the energy pipeline. Eighty-nine percent of the energy that fuels this state is imported, representing a $38.4 billion-a-year drain on our economy. Without a substantial commitment to developing renewable and indigenous energy resources and industries, the Empire State will always rely on imported energy and be susceptible to the volatility of external energy markets.
With more than 40 megawatts of wind energy coming online within the past 16 months, New York has made progress in advancing indigenous resources. To complement successes already achieved, the plan seeks to invest in a bio-fuels industry that can produce home-grown energy and lessen the need for imported energy. Seed money from the state can help launch a bio-fuels industry and diversify the state's energy mix to lower our susceptibility to fluctuating petroleum prices and improve the security of the state's supply sources.
Finally, the plan for the first time recognizes the need to examine security risks to the state's energy infrastructure, including power plants, transmission lines and pipelines. The Sept. 11 attacks raised the Energy Planning Board's awareness that security has not been addressed adequately in the past. However, given energy's vital role in our daily lives, it must be addressed now. The plan calls for an assessment of the risks to the state's energy infrastructure that will also highlight any investments needed to address security gaps.
The Energy Planning Board strived to make the planning process open and accessible to the public. The draft plan is available on the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's Web site (http://www.nyserda.org) or by contacting NYSERDA toll-free at 1-866-NYSERDA. Nine public hearings are scheduled to hear the comments and concerns of New Yorkers interested in the Empire State's energy future, including one in Albany on March 5.
WILLIAM FLYNN, president of NYSERDA, is also chairman of the New York State Energy Planning Board.
Latest News |
Most Viewed Stories |
Most Emailed Stories |
