Court Rules New York Can Chart Its Energy Future

WASHINGTON – A federal court ruled in favor of New York’s zero-emission credits today, delivering an important victory for states that are seeking to support clean energy.

The decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is the second this month to affirm the authority states have over decisions about electricity generation. Although they specifically address credits for nuclear power plants, the implications of the cases are much broader.

Following is reaction from Miles Farmer, staff attorney with the Climate and Clean Energy Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“These court rulings clear the way for states to confidently pursue programs to advance clean-energy technologies such as wind and solar.

“New York’s plan to advance offshore wind and countless other renewable energy programs across the country are now on much stronger legal footing thanks to these decisions.”

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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.​