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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced yesterday that New York State is building on its nation-leading actions to ensure cleaner air for New Yorkers and reduce climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions by banning coal-fired power plants. The Governor announced that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has adopted final regulations to require all power plants in New York to meet new emissions limits for carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. The regulations, a first-in-the-nation approach to regulating carbon emissions, will achieve the Governor's goal to end the use of coal in New York State power plants by the end of 2020.

"As our federal government continues to support the dying fossil fuel industry, deny climate change, and roll back environmental protections, New York is leading the nation with bold climate action to protect our planet and our communities," Cuomo said. "With the adoption of these final regulations, we are taking yet another step toward a cleaner, greener, long-term energy solution to safeguard the environment for generations to come."

In addition, earlier this year New York released proposed regulations to restrict NOx emissions from peaking power plants. Coupled with the coal regulations adopted today, these proposed regulations will improve air quality and protect public health by placing new, stringent requirements on peak-use power plants.

Delivering on the Governor's 2016 State of the State pledge to go coal-free by 2020, and 2018 State of the State directive to DEC to develop the rules to fulfill it, the regulations will tighten the state's CO2 Performance Standards for Major Electric Generating Facilities by establishing CO2 emission rate requirements for existing major electric generating facilities. This will ensure the state's remaining coal fired power plants transition to cleaner, alternative sources of energy or shut down by 2020. The State stands ready to help workers and communities transition to a clean energy future through the Governor's Clean Climate Careers initiative created to address the needs of the local communities affected by any closures, as well as a host of clean energy programs to support transitioning these plants away from coal. The regulations were filed with the Secretary of State on May 9, 2019, and are fully effective on June 8, 2019.

In February, DEC released proposed regulations to substantially reduce NOx emissions from the "peaking" power plants operating on the hottest days with the most air pollution. These dirty, inefficient plants are also sources of carbon pollution. These regulations will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help achieve 40 percent by 2030 and shift to 100 percent clean electricity by 2040.

"These regulations will limit carbon dioxide emissions at power plants in New York, continuing our efforts to protect the environment," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This requirement builds on our aggressive goals to advance clean energy and reduce greenhouse gases. We are committed to ensuring a cleaner coal-free environment for future generations as we work to combat climate change."

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