Energy

Support legislation complimentary to competitive electricity markets as well as the expeditious siting and upgrading of needed electrical infrastructure.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) should immediately implement Federal EPA regulations streamlining the PSD program
By permitting utilities and manufacturers to "prevent significant deterioration" (PSD) by upgrading facilities without cumbersome, time-consuming and costly regulatory procedures when upgrades would result in no net increase in pollution emissions based on projected actual future emissions.

Increase Employment by Providing Lower Cost Energy through EDPAB.
Support legislation to increase economical electricity for business and Not-For-Profit Corporations that commit to creating or retaining jobs in New York under the Economic Development Power Allocation Board (EDPAB).

Elimination of the Petroleum Business Tax (PBT) on Heating Oils used in Businesses.
As the state (1) continues to phase-out the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) on natural gas and electric sales by public utilities, and (2) deregulates those same industries to enhance competition, and lower energy costs, it is only fair that commercial business consumers of heating oil also receive similar cost reductions. Elimination of the PBT on commercial use heating oil will help lower operating costs of businesses in New York making us more competitive with other states. Over 75,000 small businesses in New York State rely on heating oil for space heating are currently paying $.043 per gallon and will still be paying over $15 Million in PBT taxes per year.

Reduce or Eliminate the State's $.08 per Gallon Diesel Excise Tax
For vehicle owners who choose to use Biodiesel fuel blends, reduction or elimination of this tax for use of cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel blends, containing 20% vegetable oils, would reduce dependence on foreign oil, benefit the environment and the farming industry.

Increase Permanent Incentives for Manufacturing through Affordable Energy Programs.
Support increasing the Power for Jobs and other state incentive programs to both existing businesses and companies moving into the state and making these programs permanent in order to encourage manufacturing by providing lower cost power. Half of all jobs upstate depend on manufacturing, but the cost of power is not competitive. For example, Ford Motor Co.'s bill for electricity at its Buffalo plant is second-highest among all Ford manufacturing plants in North America, even though the company benefits from the Power for Jobs program and the low-cost hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls. The Power for Jobs program saves a typical employer 10-25% in energy costs and has created or retained 300,000 jobs in NY state since1997.

Eliminate Renewable Energy Surcharge in favor of Voluntary Incentive Program
The state Public Service Commission has mandated that 25% of electricity bought in New York come from renewable resources by 2013. Projected cost increases are 1.8% for residential customers and 2.4% for businesses adding $24 million to electric bills and harming the ability of New York businesses to keep and create jobs. Commercial users of electricity in New York already pay an average of 43% more than businesses elsewhere in the nation, driven partly by high taxes. Instead of requiring businesses and individuals to buy power from more costly renewable sources, the state should instead adopt an aggressive voluntary program based on incentives.

Support Expedited Review of Proposals for any and all Alternative Sources of Energy Supply
New York pays the highest natural gas energy prices in the continental United States because New York is located at the end of the North American natural gas pipeline and demand for natural gas is expected to increase by 40%. In order to determine the viability of alternative sources of energy supply, expedited environmental and safety review by federal and state agencies should be afforded any and all proposals for alternative sources of supply.

Support Expedited Review and Determinations of Proposals to Construct Electric Generating Facilities under Article X of the New York State Statute governing the siting of power plants.
The transition to deregulated free markets in energy must be continued in order to keep our state economy competitive. Siting of new power plants and state approval of proposals to renovate power plants in order to cut emissions should be expedited in order to increase supply. Parties who oppose plant sitings must submit supporting evidence within 14 days of request, and the siting review board must complete the review process within 6 to 8 months and render a decision within 60 days of a complete record. New York State should add 10,000 to 15,000 megawatts to its baseline generating capacity within 5 years in order to sustain future growth. Power lines that already carry maximum amounts of electricity should be ugraded near New York City and Long Island in order to reduce possible power shortages and price spikes due to bottlenecks in transmission. Gas pipelines must be upgraded also in order to maintain adequate future access to this clean burning fuel. Additional electrical and fiber optic cables should be added in order to eliminate Long Island's geographic isolation from the New York transmission grid.