National Grid : Releases Statement on Climate Action Council Scoping Plan

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - National Grid today released the following statement in reaction to the New York State Climate Action Council (CAC) Final Scoping Plan:

National Grid is committed to a fair, clean, and affordable energy transition that leaves no one behind. We recognize the critical need to address climate change and are committed to meeting the goals established by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). In fact, we are working to go beyond these benchmarks.

The Climate Action Council's Scoping Plan is a meaningful first step in achieving the goals set out in the CLCPA. We applaud the CAC's hard work and transparent process in developing this plan, which is focused on reducing emissions, prioritizing disadvantaged communities, and tackling climate change head on, while recognizing the need to protect workers and ensure economic vitality. We are pleased that the CAC recognized the importance of a decarbonized gas system in New York State, one that should not impose undue cost burdens on customers who rely on gas to heat their homes. The plan also recognizes the role that alternative fuels such as RNG and green hydrogen can play in this decarbonization, which supports National Grid's Fossil-Free Vision.

The state's process for the CAC Scoping Plan ensured an open and transparent input from all stakeholders. Throughout the process, experts including the Independent Power Producers of New York, the Business Council of New York State, and the New York State AFL-CIO, The Transport Workers Union Local 101 and TWU of America, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Local 1049, the New York State Building & Construction Trades Council, as well as academic leaders from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Stony Brook University, and Columbia Climate School Earth Institute, were able to contribute their recommendations and voice their concerns.

Fighting climate change requires science-backed, comprehensive and achievable solutions. We need all the tools in the toolbox to reach our climate goals and achieve a fair and just energy transition that leaves no one behind. We look forward to advancing all viable existing and developing technologies that should be considered and studied carefully to ensure we reach our shared goals.