TESTIMONY
Alia Soomro, Deputy Director for New York City Policy at the New York League of Conservation Voters on Renewable Energy Infrastructure and Environmental Justice
1:27:13
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171 sec
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 to meet New York City's carbon emission reduction goals.
- She highlights the environmental and health impacts of fossil fuel-based peaker plants on environmental justice communities.
- Advocates for legislation to establish a goal for New York City to have at least 2 gigawatts of battery storage by 2030.
- Supports specific bills that promote the transition to renewable energy and the use of city-owned properties for renewable energy systems.
- Expresses eagerness to collaborate with the city council, administration, and advocates to advance renewable energy initiatives.
Alia Soomro
1:27:13
Good afternoon.
1:27:15
My name is Alea Sumro, and I'm the deputy director for New York City policy at the New York League of Conservation Voters.
1:27:21
Thank you, council member nurse Karen Cinero, as well as members of the Environmental Protection Committee for the opportunity to testify.
1:27:28
I have submitted longer written comments.
1:27:30
As we are all aware, New York State And New York City have set ambitious carbon emission reduction goals such as New York City's 80 by 50, local law 97, and New York State's CLCPA.
1:27:43
Achieving these targets necessitates a significant build out of renewable energy infrastructure particularly in the form of solar wind energy source systems, which are backup energy sources for homes, businesses, communities or the electrical grid.
1:27:59
Moving towards renewable energy sources is not only a climate priority, but it's also an environmental justice priority.
1:28:06
The variant of fossil fuel based peaker plants, which have disproportionately been located in environmental justice communities and contribute to toxic air pollution in asthma, has persisted for far too long.
1:28:17
To alleviate this burden and pave the way for a cleaner, more resilient, and just future, it is imperative to increase renewable energy so and battery storage at a utility scale.
1:28:28
NYCB recommends that the city council enact legislation establishing a goal for New York City to have at least 2 gigawatts of battery storage by 2030.
1:28:37
We realize this is ambitious, but we think the city can do more.
1:28:40
By doing so, we can ensure that when energy demand spikes, As it often does in densely populated urban areas like New York City, we do not comprehend compromise the health and safety of our residents, especially those in vulnerable communities.
1:28:54
With that said, NYLCB would also like to stress the importance of distinguishing e by lithium battery fires with energy storage systems the latter of which is much safer under current regulatory standards.
1:29:06
FDNY and DOB have strenuous standards, regulations, and annual inspections for battery storage systems on buildings.
1:29:15
NYCB supports intro 129, sponsored by council member Brandon, and introductions, 353354, sponsored by council member nurse.
1:29:25
New York City, as New York City transitions to a more sustainable the full and resilient future with the switch to renewable energy.
1:29:32
It's crucial that we maximize city owned properties and city owned space with more renewable energy systems.
1:29:38
We support these bills because they complement the city's own goals to establish 100 megawatts of solar by 2025 and 500 megawatts of energy storage by 2025 as well.
1:29:50
As we continue to build out our generation of renewable energy, including solar and wind, Energy storage will play a key role.
1:29:57
We look forward to working with the city council, the admin, and fellow advocates to get these bills over the finish line.
1:30:03
Thank you.