Description

New York Governor George Pataki signed Executive Order No. 111 to promote "Green and Clean" State Buildings and Vehicles on June 10, 2001. The renewable-power procurement component of this order commits the state government to purchase a portion of its electric power from renewable energy resources — at least 10% from resources such as wind, solar thermal, photovoltaics (solar electric), sustainably managed biomass, tidal, geothermal, methane waste and fuel cells by 2005, increasing to 20% by 2010. The order applies to all agencies and departments over which the governor has executive authority, and all public benefit corporations and public authorities whose heads are appointed by the governor. The order also requires the state to adhere to green building standards when constructing new buildings or significantly renovating existing buildings.

State entities can fulfill their renewable power procurement obligations through on-site generation or by purchasing renewable energy on the open market. According to the 2012 RPS Performance Report state green energy purchases during April 2009 – March 2010 (Fiscal Year 2010) were approximately 320,000 MWh, or roughly 12.23% of electricity needs for state buildings. The bulk of renewable energy purchases made under this policy have been sourced from sustainably managed biomass and wind energy resources. Although Executive Order No. 111 is not specific to activities purchases beyond 2010, the RPS projections used by the New York Public Service Commission (PSC), which extend through 2015, incorporate green energy purchases by state government throughout the life of the standard.