The new law will require 30% of electricity coming from renewable energy by the end of 2015.
New York is praised for its plan to combat climate change by former Vice President Al Gore, who thinks that this approach is very useful.
The plan was praised on Wednesday, when the Al gore stated that “the leadership shown by Governor Cuomo and New York state to make these bold emissions reductions commitments is vital to solving the climate crisis.”
At a conference held at the Columbia University, Gore was accompanied by Cuomo, who informed that the state has signed an agreement called Under 2 MOU. This agreement includes cities worldwide and its main purpose is to stop Earth’s increasing temperature with 2o C by 2100. New York will cooperate with California and two Canadian cities in order to link the actual carbon markets.
Also, the state engaged itself in extending the use of solar power to 150,000 companies and houses. In addition, all State University of New York campuses will benefit from renewable energy by 2020.
The new law will require 30% of electricity coming from renewable energy by the end of 2015.
During the conference, Cuomo didn’t avoid political debate concerning the climate change issue. He asked himself why skeptical people don’t believe the climate change is indeed a problem. As a proof, Cuomo relies not only on scientific research, but also on visible evidence such as storms that hit the state in the last couple of years.
Since becoming a governor in 2011, he faced 9 emergencies having to do with weather issues. In contrast, his father had 11 such emergencies over a period of 12 years.
Cuomo’s plan to deal with climate change made him very appreciated among environmental groups, the New York League of Conservation Voters included. Marcia Bystryn, this group’s president, stated that her team would help Cuomo and his administration to carry out the new plan.
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