Manhattan Elected Officials Join Call for More New York Solar

Manhattan elected officials are joining advocates to urge New York State to support the bold new goal of powering one million New York households, including 100,000 low-income households, with solar by 2023. The effort is being organized by the Million Solar Strong Campaign, a movement of leading industry, environmental, clean energy and community organizations. The group, which has held several events across New York, is gaining momentum with a growing number of prominent state and local leaders endorsing the call for more New York solar.  

"I am proud to stand with The Million Solar Strong Campaign in building a resilient green economy that will create more clean energy in New York," said Assembly Member Harvey Epstein. "As we move towards more solar power in our state, it is important that we ensure cleaner energy is a possibility for all New Yorkers. Social justice and environmental justice are undeniably linked. The campaign's work to increase access to renewable energy for low-income residents is invaluable because we can't truly protect the environment unless we tackle social justice issues too."

"Given the ever rising demand for electricity to power our electronic equipment and devices, the daily depletion of fossil fuels, and the higher and lower temperatures we experience that are caused by climate change, it is both prudent and wise for federal, state and local governments to implement aggressive renewable energy projects to meet our constituents growing energy needs," said Assembly Member Inez E. Dickens. "We must follow the lead of countries such as Denmark and Germany that receive 39.1% and 26%, respectively, of their energy from clean sources. In addition to the benefits we receive from sustainable energy reliance, there will be jobs created for members in our communities in this expanding industry. Therefore, I applaud and fully support "The Million Solar Strong Campaign" and look forward to its presence in my Harlem Community."

"Recognizing the need to improve our quality of life and protect our environment, The Million Solar Strong Campaign's has a goal of powering 1 million homes in New York through solar," said Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright. "This can only be properly achieved through policies that increase accessibility, reduce costs for municipalities and consumers, and increase investment on clean energy. I am committed to raising awareness, pressing forward these goals to ensure New York becomes the leader of the energy revolution and to protect the future of our children." 

"Each year the consequences of our carbon footprint on the environment become more and more visible," said Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell. "Thankfully, with commitments to invest in solar technology, Solar energy is no longer just the most responsible choice, but is trending to being the most affordable choice as well. The cost of solar energy has decreased exponentially and continues to do so, resulting in costs per megawatt that are half of coal and third of nuclear power. It's also jumpstarting our economy by providing good paying jobs to countless New Yorkers. It's important to continue expanding our solar program and saying no to fracking, coal, and other non-renewable, dangerous, and inefficiently expensive forms of power. I look forward to us reaching our goal of 1 million homes and 100,000 low income homes powered by solar ahead of time so we can expand the program and set an example for other states."

"Solar energy offers a potentially limitless source of renewable energy and lessens our dependence on fossil fuels that harm air quality and contribute significantly to global warming.  New York State should develop more incentives to quickly increase the use of solar and wind power and help produce a healthier future and environment for all of us," said Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Health.

Making New York 'One Million Solar Strong' is the most important thing Governor Cuomo can do to protect and strengthen New York's significant progress on solar. Currently, New York State has over 200,000 households powered by solar and 9,000 workers in the fast growing solar industry. Powering one million New York households with solar will generate jobs, reduce and stabilize utility bills, stimulate local investment, cut harmful air pollution, accelerate an equitable transition to our clean energy future, and counter the Trump Administration's attacks.

The coalition is calling on Governor Cuomo to institute and support concrete policies to reach the one million solar strong goal. The coalition has released two roadmaps outlining robust policy recommendations to achieve the goal of one million households and one hundred thousand low-income households powered by solar, including:

  • Fair customer compensation
  • Drive accelerated and diverse solar growth
  • Facilitate affordable financing for solar growth, especially for new market sectors and underserved communities
  • Make solar a win-win for municipalities and customers
  • Ensure the modern grid and solar serve each other
  • Expand access for low-income, environmental justice and other underserved communities

Million Solar Strong Campaign | www.solarstrongny.org