New York City Council
Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfronts
Mar 01, 2024
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01:00 PM
1 hr 48 min
Summary
A hearing on New York City's decarbonization efforts focusing on boosting solar photovoltaic and battery storage capacities. Discussions include potential strategies for expanding solar and battery storage and legislative proposals aimed at accelerating deployment. Features testimony from NYC's Chief Decarbonization Office at Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), community and advocacy groups, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Sandy Nurse opens committee meeting on decarbonization efforts
Council Member Sandy Nurse highlights New York City's need to radically increase its use of solar PV and battery storage systems to meet legal decarbonization mandates. - Discusses Local Law …
0:00:48
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5 min
Sanna Barakat on New York City's Solar and Battery Storage Initiatives
Sanna Barakat, Deputy Commissioner of Energy Management at DCAS, testifies on New York City's efforts to increase solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage capacity. - Barakat highlights significant progress in …
0:07:21
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18 min
What is the capacity of new energy installations and why aren't updates reflected on the website?
The additional 1.5 megawatts since 2022 represent 105 sites, and the website will be updated by month's end. - 105 sites have been added to the city's energy infrastructure, accounting …
0:26:08
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58 sec
How many buildings will the 50 megawatts solar energy goal cover by 2025, and which types of facilities are included?
The 50 megawatts solar energy goal is set to include approximately 177 sites across various facility types by 2025. - The goal includes not only schools but also cultural institutions, …
0:27:08
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60 sec
Are supply chain issues affecting NYC's solar installation rollout, and will they persist?
Solar installation projects in NYC face delays due to persistent and intensified supply chain issues, exacerbated by new federal incentives spurring demand. - Supply chain issues have worsened since the …
0:28:08
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94 sec
Did the administration consider using the Solar for All grant program for community and public solar programs?
NYC applies for a $60 million Solar for All grant to support public solar initiatives, in partnership with NYSERDA, aiming to utilize funding for low-income neighborhoods. - NYC collaborates with …
0:29:43
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83 sec
How much solar capacity was online by the end of 2023, and what are future solar capacity targets for NYC?
As of December 2023, New York City achieved 24 megawatts of solar capacity with a plan to reach 100 megawatts by 2030. - NYC reached 24 megawatts of solar capacity …
0:31:09
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70 sec
When will the community solar pilot project launch, and how many households will it serve?
The exact launch date for the community solar pilot project is yet to be determined, but it aims to service around 5,000 households in lower and moderate-income populations. - The …
0:32:20
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56 sec
What kinds of outreach and financial assistance will the city provide for the Public Solar NYC program?
The city will offer a one-stop shop resource through the NYC Accelerator for homeowners interested in solar installations and other renewable technologies, with additional support from NYSERDA. - The NYC …
0:33:16
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52 sec
Are events being held in specific communities by the Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, and how many per year?
The Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice conducts various events in specific communities for educational outreach and engagement. - The office organizes events focused on education and engagement in …
0:34:09
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21 sec
How will the public option be executed and how will benefits be distributed to property owners?
The public option may be executed through a power purchase agreement (PPA), and a grant requires a 20% reduction in energy utility costs for property owners. - The Department of …
0:34:31
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54 sec
How do power purchase agreements benefit NYC solar installations?
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) significantly enhance the cost-efficiency and scalability of solar installations for NYC's public buildings. - PPAs allow for faster project implementation and cost savings, with average capital …
0:35:26
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3 min
What are the feasibility challenges for energy storage sites identified in the Power Up NYC report?
The investigation into potential energy storage sites in NYC reveals not all identified locations are feasible due to multiple constraints. - The Power Up NYC report was a city-wide evaluation …
0:39:07
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62 sec
Is the Department of Citywide Administrative Services coordinating with the Department of Transportation on solar backup for traffic signals?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) has not yet discussed solar backups with the Department of Transportation (DOT) but plans to bring it up in a future meeting. - …
0:43:19
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3 min
Is the administration considering battery energy storage systems to enhance grid reliability and accelerate the decommissioning of peaker plants?
The city is prioritizing the deployment of battery storage solutions to speed up the decommissioning of peaker plants and improve grid reliability. - Peaker plants, often located in environmental justice …
0:46:31
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84 sec
What are the upcoming milestones for removing peaker plants from service in NYC, and how will transmission lines from Canada and upstate New York contribute?
Two major transmission line projects are pivotal for accelerating the removal of peaker power plants in NYC by supplying renewable power, with the first significant milestone expected in Spring 2026. …
0:47:55
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118 sec
What causes delays in energy storage system permit approvals, and how can the council assist to expedite the process?
Agencies are coordinating to address frustrations and delays in energy storage system permitting, deferring to the Department of Buildings (DOB) for specific issues. - Coordination is happening among agencies to …
0:50:03
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43 sec
What has the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) learned from its energy storage pilot program?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) shares insights from their energy storage pilot program, highlighting its importance for future scaling. - DCAS values the pilot program for the vital …
0:50:47
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57 sec
What is the average cost to install a 5-megawatt battery energy storage system per site in New York City?
The average cost to install a 5-megawatt battery energy storage system per site is approximately EUR 24,000,000, varying based on site conditions. - The cost estimation is based on historical …
0:51:44
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54 sec
What are the costs of battery energy storage systems for residential and commercial buildings, and how does the price change with storage capacity?
The cost of battery energy storage systems ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 for residential installations, and higher for commercial buildings. - The deputy commissioner notes the cost for residential battery …
0:52:38
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40 sec
When will NYC provide a roadmap for meeting the greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirement?
New York City is committed to providing a roadmap by March 12th for meeting the greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirement despite not meeting the initial 2025 deadline. - The administration …
0:53:27
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108 sec
Are there any city-controlled parking lots unsuitable for solar canopy installation even if cost-effective?
Brent Taylor explains that the suitability of city-controlled parking lots for solar canopy installation varies, with factors such as sunlight exposure, construction challenges, and electrical grid access influencing feasibility. - …
0:55:25
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127 sec
How many megawatts of additional battery energy storage and renewable resources would New York City need to decommission all peaker plants?
Decommissioning all peaker plants in NYC requires a combination of additional battery energy storage and renewable energy capacity; the exact megawatt need is currently unspecified. - Battery storage alone cannot …
0:58:02
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56 sec
How does the New York City plan to maximize solar tax credits for public buildings?
New York City plans to apply for a federal grant under the Inflation Reduction Act to maximize solar tax credits for public buildings. - The tax credits become available to …
0:59:02
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49 sec
What are the new energy-specific civil service titles in New York City?
Deputy Commissioner Barakat states she will provide the new energy-specific civil service titles later, acknowledging the importance of these roles. - Council Member Nurse inquires about the new energy-specific civil …
0:59:52
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44 sec
When does the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice plan to release the Renewable Ryker's Energy Study?
The Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice plans to release the Renewable Ryker's Energy Study in spring, though an exact date is not provided. - The Power Up NYC …
1:00:38
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28 sec
What is the status of land transfers from the Department of Corrections (DOC) to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) on Rikers Island?
No date has been provided by the Department of Corrections for the next land transfer to DCAS on Rikers Island. - The Council Member inquires about the status of land …
1:01:08
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83 sec
When will the wastewater treatment plant report be released?
The wastewater treatment plant report is scheduled for release in the spring, alongside another study. - The report is a result of a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) feasibility study …
1:02:32
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30 sec
Ben Dorman, Deputy Director, Climate Jobs in New York, on the Legislation for Solar Installations on Public Buildings
Ben Dorman advocates for legislation to significantly expand solar installations on New York City's public buildings to enhance sustainability, create jobs, and save on energy costs. - Dorman represents a …
1:04:58
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3 min
Flandersia Jones, Director of the New York State Nurses Association, on Supporting Solar Systems on City-Owned Building Roofs
Flandersia Jones testifies in support of legislation requiring solar systems on city-owned buildings to combat the public health impacts of climate change. - Jones highlights the link between climate change …
1:08:29
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126 sec
Rich Mantell, Vice President, United Federation of Teachers on Solar Panel Installations in NYC Schools
Rich Mantell advocates for Intro 353, aiming to install solar panels on NYC schools to promote eco-friendly education spaces and job creation. - Mantell, as VP of the United Federation …
1:10:47
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3 min
How are solar installations implemented and maintained in NYC schools, and what are their benefits?
Council Member Robert F. Holden inquires about the process and benefits of installing solar panels in NYC schools, focusing on PS 62 as an example. - PS 62 is highlighted …
1:14:09
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3 min
Jay Wu on Supporting Council Member Nurse's Public Solar Power Bill (Intro 353)
Jay Wu advocates for the enactment of Council Member Nurse's public solar power bill to leverage financial incentives and combat climate change. - Supports Intro 353 as a measure for …
1:21:56
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129 sec
What is the 'Direct Pay as an As of Right Cash Incentive', and how does the city obtain it?
The 'Direct Pay as an As of Right Cash Incentive' allows public entities to claim reimbursement for expenditures without needing to apply for a grant, similar to tax filings. - …
1:24:08
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34 sec
Susie Cadier, Political Director of Triage, on Supporting Intro Bills 353 and 354 for Renewable Energy Transition and Climate Resilience
Susie Cadier advocates for Intro Bills 353 and 354, aiming for a greener New York City and improved energy transition in schools. - Cadier, Political Director of Triage, emphasizes the …
1:24:48
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119 sec
Alia Soomro, Deputy Director for New York City Policy at the New York League of Conservation Voters on Renewable Energy Infrastructure and Environmental Justice
Alia Soomro advocates for increased renewable energy infrastructure and environmental justice in New York City. - Soomro emphasizes the necessity for a significant build-out of solar and wind energy systems …
1:27:13
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171 sec
Shravanthi Kanekal on Supporting Legislative Initiatives for Sustainable Energy Transition in New York City
Shravanthi Kanekal, Senior Resiliency Planner at the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, emphasizes the need for legislative support for sustainable energy transition in New York City. - Kanekal testifies …
1:30:15
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167 sec
Adam Roberts, Policy Director at Community Housing Improvement Program on Overcoming Fire Code Restrictions for Solar Panel Installation
Adam Roberts advocates for changes in fire code restrictions to facilitate the installation of solar panels on existing buildings in New York. - Roberts represents the Community Housing Improvement Program, …
1:33:16
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106 sec
Rami Dinnawi on Advocating for Intro 353 and 354 to Promote Renewable Energy and Environmental Justice in New York City
Rami Dinnawi advocates for New York City's transition to renewable energy through support for Intro 353 and Intro 354, emphasizing environmental justice. - Dinnawi highlights the adverse effects of New …
1:35:22
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3 min