New York passes renewable energy act amidst coronavirus pandemic

State of New York authorities have passed legislation to speed up the siting and construction of large-scale clean energy projects to help the sector recover from the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak and meet climate targets. The Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act – to be implemented in 2020-2021 – will improve the process for siting of clean projects and create the first office for renewable energy siting in the US. Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said: “The Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act demonstrates how forward-thinking policy can be used to boost the state economy and create jobs while bringing abundant, clean, renewable energy to all New Yorkers.” The office will aim to establish uniform environmental standards and conditions and speeding up the process an issue permits the construction and expansion of energy projects bigger than 25MW.