New York Power Plants to be Coal-Free by 2020

ALBANY, N.Y. – Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the adoption of final regulations to make New York coal-free by the end of 2020. The newly issued regulations require all power plants in the state to meet stringent emissions limits for carbon dioxide and will end the use of coal in the state’s power sector by next year.

A statement follows from Kit Kennedy, Senior Director, Climate and Clean Energy at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC):

“Making our state coal-free by next year is the kind of bold, urgent action the world needs to win the fight against climate change. Governor Cuomo is leading the charge against the dirty fossil fuels of the past while accelerating New York’s transition to a clean energy future and ensuring that workers and communities are part of this progress. At the same time, banning coal will help protect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the health of New Yorkers statewide.”  

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The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.​