Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for New York Energy Transformation Programs

IEc assisted the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) in evaluating the environmental impacts of two initiatives focused on transforming the State’s energy industry and regulatory practices: Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) and Clean Energy Fund (CEF). In a generic environmental impact statement (GEIS), IEc evaluated potential environmental, economic, and social impacts associated with broader application of clean energy technologies, including, but not limited to, wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass, biogas, smart grids, combined heat and power, energy efficiency, demand response, and energy storage. The GEIS considered these impacts in the context of achieving long-term energy goals such as grid stability, resiliency and reliability.

Stakeholders such as electric utilities, renewable energy developers, environmental organizations, conservation organizations, and clean energy advocacy groups were actively involved in the NEPA process. IEc compiled, organized, and responded to public comments, developing deep insight into stakeholder perspectives and areas of controversy.  IEc’s role included using the public comments to advise DPS on key legal or policy issues for consideration.  The final GEIS was accepted by the Public Service Commission on February 6, 2015.