Governor Commits to Next Step in Reducing Emissions from Plaza.
Pollution Reduction Goals Remain Too Little, Too Slow.
In late July, the Hochul administration finally released the long-delayed energy study of the Empire State Plaza (which unfortunately failed to include the State Capitol or AE Smith Building).
The Governor announced $100 million for phase one of the decarbonization of the Plaza, which primarily involves the electrification of the existing steam-driven chillers. SHARE had recommended this five years ago, and the state has already successfully replaced one of the Plaza’s large chillers and installed two smaller chillers for its data center. These phase one improvements will result in a reduction of 20 percent of the Plaza’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Unfortunately, the Governor’s announcement fell far short of SHARE’s comprehensive proposal. The Renewable Capitol Act, with Assemblymember Pat Fahy and Senator Breslin as lead sponsors, would convert the entire state Capitol complex (including the Plaza) to 100% renewable energy, zero emissions within 3 years, and close the polluting Sheridan Ave. Steam Plant (SASP) which uses gas. The bill also requires the creation of a local citizens advisory board to help guide the project. Unfortunately, the state agencies (New York Power Authority and Office of General Services) operated in secrecy during the more than 2 years it took them to conduct the Plaza energy survey.
The Governor does anticipate additional phases to the decarbonization project. Within a decade, the state hopes to reduce emissions – though by only 50% – primarily by moving the Health Department’s Wadsworth Center out of the bottom of the Corning Tower. Sometime later, the state says that it could convert the heating systems of the Capitol complex to geothermal. Unfortunately, however, it has not committed to retiring the antiquated steam plant that has been polluting the Sheridan Hollow community for over a century. The state estimates the overall cost for the four phases would be over $4 billion, mainly for needed upgrades, maintenance, and efficiency upgrades for the 50-year-old Plaza.
The state also admitted that after five years, it has to start all over in identifying a source to provide electricity from a renewable energy source for the Plaza. Five years ago, NYPA and OGS announced plans to use a solar farm that would be built in Oneida County and only recently acknowledged that this will not take place for reasons they did not identify. SHARE has long advocated the development of local renewable energy, which would provide jobs and economic development. One suggestion is to expand the existing hydro facility in Green Island. The Green Island Power Authority has been seeking financing for the expansion for years.
The July announcement was not a commitment by the state to follow through on the overall proposal. A feasibility study would have to be completed, as part of the recent legislative agreement to look at decarbonizing the 15 state buildings with the largest greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, funding would have to be obtained.
The energy plan lacks details, outlining potential options rather than developing specific timelines, budgets, and action steps. For instance, it suggests that the state should locate the geothermal facility in Lincoln Park, though the state has not yet had formal discussions of the proposal with the City of Albany. SHARE has suggested that the state should consider using the local aquifer as a heat source. The energy plan concluded that the Hudson River would not meet its needs.
SHARE is reviewing how the Renewable Capitol Act needs to be amended to incorporate the Governor’s announcement. It will continue to interact with the state’s overall decarbonization efforts while seeking community benefits for the Sheridan Hollow community.