Landmark settlement requires N.Y. state utilities to prepare for the effects of climate change
As illustrated by Sandy’s devastation – 44 dead, billions of dollars in damage, a flooded subway system and ConEd’s largest-ever power outage – the New York City area is highly exposed to the threat of sea level rise and extreme weather in a changing climate. That includes increasing risks of worsening heat waves and damaging storm surge during hurricanes because of rising sea levels. New York City recognized last year that damage from a Sandy-like storm could cost the city $ 90 billion if it were to hit mid-century.
“We expect the utilities to consult the most current data to evaluate the climate impacts anticipated in their regions over the next years and decades, and to integrate these considerations into their system planning and construction forecasts and budgets,” the NYPSC said.
Michael Gerrard, director of the Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School in New York City, said it’s groundbreaking that the NYPSC expects other utilities to address climate change in this way.
…If the state is successful in requring New York utilities to address climate change vulnerability in all their construction plans, it may set a precedent that other states could use as a model for their utilities, Gerrard said, adding that he hopes that the 49 other states will eventually follow suit.
Salon.com
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