Strategic Outlook

The convergence and continuation of crises in 2021 has kept the call to act on climate change and accelerate the energy transition ringing with new levels of urgency and appreciation. Under the framework of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), New York is answering that call and helping the State respond assertively to the climate, public health, and other crises that face our society and government. New York has adopted a nation-leading clean energy agenda that calls for 100% clean power by 2040, sets New York on a path to carbon neutrality across all sectors, and accelerates the climate infrastructure buildout already underway. The Climate Act sets these and other new standards into law, codifying New York’s goal to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050, with additional new legislative authority and regulatory milestones reached in 2021 to accelerate progress – most notably, the issuance of New York’s draft Climate Act Scoping Plan for public comment.

As the State’s primary clean energy agency, NYSERDA plays a key role in implementing this ambitious agenda. We envision New York as a global climate leader building a healthier future with thriving communities; homes and businesses powered by clean energy; and economic opportunities accessible to all New Yorkers. To realize this vision, NYSERDA is advancing clean energy innovation and investments to combat climate change, improving the health, resiliency, and prosperity of New Yorkers and delivering benefits equitably to all. NYSERDA's Strategic Plan, Toward a Clean Energy Future: A Strategic Outlook 2022‒2025 [PDF], summarizes multi-year objectives, ongoing programmatic efforts, and strategic areas of focus for 2022 through 2025. The Plan is organized around NYSERDA's mission outcomes – greenhouse gas emissions reductions, renewable energy, energy efficiency and building decarbonization, the clean energy economy, and a resilient and distributed energy system – and keeps people at the heart of these ongoing efforts.