Ocasio-Cortez, Tonko Leads NY Democrats in Commending New York Power Authority’s Plan to Increase Renewable Energy Development

Press Release

Washington, D.C.- Today, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Paul Tonko (NY-20)led several members of New York's Democratic Congressional delegation in writing to the New York Power Authority (NYPA) in support of NYPA's plan to develop 7 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2030 and encouraging the NYPA to continue expanding development in future years.

1 GW of energy is enough to power roughly 750,000 homes. NYPA's plan to develop 7 GW by 2030 more than doubles their planned renewable development from last year.

"NYPA's draft strategic plan represents exactly the leadership needed to achieve 15 GW of renewable energy development by 2030, consistent with the state's climate goals, while lowering electricity bills, creating good-paying jobs, and delivering a more reliable grid," the lawmakers wrote."NYPA is taking bold steps forward as the federal government unfortunately steps backwards…This administration has eliminated crucial incentives for renewable energy production, canceled dozens of existing energy projects, and threatened to eliminate cost-saving programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)."

The full letter is available here.

In addition to Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Tonko, the following members joined in signing: Representatives Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

The letter details that previous work in Congress, such as passing the American Rescue Plan Act and Inflation Reduction Act - historic investments that led to increased energy production and a decrease in inflation and energy costs - has been put at risk by the Trump Administration. The Republican-passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act repeals key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and will lead to an estimated $140 annual increase in New York energy bills by 2030.

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