With the recent passage of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which calls for a carbon free electricity market by 2040, New York became the sixth state to pass legislation calling for a carbon free electricity market. Just one year earlier, California passed similar legislation, SB100, adopting a state policy to achieve a zero-carbon electricity market by 2045. These goals will have to be pursued notwithstanding the fact demand for electricity is projected to increase as other sectors pursue beneficial electrification to comply with ambitious emission reduction goals they face. Whether these goals can be achieved, and at what cost, will depend on technology advancements and how these laws are interpreted and implemented by regulators.

Click here to read the full article by Thomas R. Brill and Steven C. Russo, “An uncertain path to a cleaner future: Zero carbon electricity legislation in New York and California,” published by Utility Dive on Aug. 23.

For more on regulations and legislation aimed at reducing our carbon footprint, click here.