NY Gov. Hochul launches green energy initiative to unite NYC, New York state and Canada

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced two major green energy infrastructure projects this week that will include wind, solar and hydropower offerings in upstate New York and Canada united to power New York City, pump $8.2 billion into economic development and advance the state’s renewable electricity goals.

The two projects include the Clean Path NY (CPNY) project and the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project. While CPNY will be developed jointly by Forward Power and the New York Power Authority, CHPE will be advanced by Transmission Developers, Inc. and Hydro-Québec. Together, they seek to produce approximately 18 million MW-hours of renewable energy annually and, over the next 15 years, both reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 77 million metric tons and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants to an extent amount to $2.9 billion in public health benefits.

“New York’s communities are repeatedly facing serious consequences as a result of the devastation caused by the global climate crisis, and the stakes have never been higher as we deal with the economic and environmental destruction these extreme weather events leave behind,” Hochul said. “These transformative projects are a win-win—delivering thousands of new good-paying jobs throughout the state and attracting billions of dollars in private investment. They also help us turn the page on New York City’s long-standing dependence on fossil fuels and will ensure millions of New Yorkers, especially those living in our most vulnerable communities, can have the promise of cleaner air and a healthier future.”

Combined, the two projects stand to push significant progress toward New York’s goal of achieving 70 percent renewables-sourced electricity by 2030. They will also include developer-committed investments to support disadvantaged communities. Approximately $460 million will be invested into community benefit funds for the creation of green energy jobs, supporting public health, advancing capital improvement projects and improving environmental footprints.

“This is a transformative moment for New York City’s fight against climate change,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “Two new transmission lines connecting New York City to electricity from water, the wind, and solar will create thousands of good union jobs, improve the resilience and reliability of our power supply, and dramatically reduce our reliance on oil and gas electricity that dirties the air in our neighborhoods and endangers our planet.”

If approved, both projects are expected to be providing power to New York City in 2025 (CHPE) and 2027 (CPNY), respectively.