The effects of a clean energy standard on public opinion: New York state pledges 50% renewable energy generation by 2030

This paper examines the impact of the New York State (NYS) Clean Energy Standard (CES) on the public's perception of renewable energy (RE) and the feasibility of the mandate. The availability for growth potential of the four primary RE types: Solar, Hydro, Biofuels, and Wind are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the implications of RE generation expansion on land usage, reliability, insulation, and effects on midpoint deadlines outlined by the mandate. In addition, the impact of incentives on the mandate timeline, existing infrastructure, and the developers of RE technologies are analyzed. The findings of NYS RE studies are compared with the NYS CES to establish a basis for comparison with previously enacted mandates. Lastly, this paper outlines the extent of the mandate's success and how this will influence future policy.