The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) lays out an ambitious slate of policy goals to promote clean energy and fight climate change. But can the state meet its energy needs under the new law and what will be the cost to New Yorkers?

The Empire Center—and a panel of climate and energy experts from across the state—explores the economic and energy impacts of the CLCPA.

Opening Remarks:

  • James Hanley, Senior Policy Analyst, Empire Center for Public Policy

Listen:

Panel One — Meeting New York’s Energy Needs Under CLCPA:

  • Ken Pokalsky, Vice President of the Business Council of New York
  • Gavin Donohue, President of the Independent Power Producers of New York
  • Donald Chahbazpour, Director of Policy and Regulator Strategy, National Grid

Listen:

Panel Two — Consumer Effects of CLCPA; Costs, Benefits and Impact:

  • Michael Butler, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of the Consumer Energy Alliance
  • Commissioner John Howard, New York State Public Service Commission

Listen:

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