The Biden administration suffered a major setback to its climate change agenda as New York rejected a group of offshore wind energy developers.
The New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC) was the group that turned down the deal.
Blue state delivers crippling blow to green energy development, jeopardizing Biden's climate goals https://t.co/DmQiXkcMvz
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 17, 2023
"The requested amendments to the contracts would have provided adjustments outside the competitive procurement process; such relief is fundamentally inconsistent with long-standing Commission policy," Commission Chair Rory Christian said in a statement.
"The Commission has repeatedly stated that competition in the procurement process is necessary to protect ratepayers and provides the soundest approach to mobilize the industry to achieve our critical State goals dependably and cost-effectively, and we do so again through today's action," Christian wrote.
New York rejects offshore wind, onshore renewables request for larger subsidies https://t.co/Atwn9nNDkZ via @politico. And yet @vingopal and @GovMurphy, after giving $1 billion to Orsted, insist that NJ will move forward at ANY cost to ratepayers. Period.
— Steve Dnistrian (@sdnistrian) October 13, 2023
"The projects seeking higher payments — four offshore wind and 86 land-based renewable projects — represent 25 percent of the forecast electricity demand in 2030," Politico reported.
"The increases, if approved, would have totaled about $12 billion net present value, doubling the costs to ratepayers of the existing contracts as Hochul has warned about the stress that higher rates would have on residents," it added.
The news comes as Biden's reelection campaign struggles to put together wins to celebrate with Democrats in its 2024 push to give the president another four years in the White House.
Many Americans also see Biden's age and health as major concerns, with the president's ongoing gaffes and stumbles adding to questions about his leadership.
The climate agenda was one of Biden's top accomplishments among his supporters during his first term, a legacy that now looks rocky following the New York deal falling apart and the recent issues among Detroit's autoworkers.
New York is usually friendly toward the goals of Democrats but this project appears too much for the state as Biden seeks to continue his climate push.
