Renewable NY is Catskill Mountainkeeper's campaign to bring renewable energy options to every community, resident and business in New York. 

And the year ahead is going to be a big one for the renewable energy movement in New York.

Here's just some of what's happening:

-The NY-Sun Initiative has been extended through 2023, and is projected to bring down the cost of solar by a factor of 10, create 3,000 megawatts of new solar capacity adequate to power almost 500,000 homes, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.3 million tons annually...

-Mountainkeeper is proud to be a part of the Renewable NY Southeast, Southern Tier Solar Works, and Solarize Hudson Valley projects that promote community solar bulk purchasing and renewable energy-related job training in the 14 counties of southeastern New York and the Hudson Valley. For more information, including about how to launch a solarize campaign in your community or bring K-Solar to your school district, contact us at [email protected].

-The New York Public Service Commission's “Reforming the Energy Vision” (REV) process, currently underway, is intended to overhaul energy pricing, distribution and regulation statewide, and to modernize the grid and increase energy efficiency – all with the stated aim of developing and better exploiting renewable sources of energy like solar and wind. To learn more about how to participate in this process, including upcoming public hearings (the first is on 1/28), and insure that its outcome is democratic and equitable, visit AGREE’s REV page.

-Following the path of a handful of other states around the country, Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) is gaining traction in New York, as more and more communities want to assert their right to long-term energy planning and to develop clean, locally-generated renewable power. Mountainkeeper is working with our partners at Citizens for Local Power to bring CCA to New York. Watch our Sullivan County forum, with CCA founder Paul Fenn, to learn more.  And if you can, attend our public forum next Wednesday, January 28th in Kingston.

-Finally, for those of us who don't own property, or whose property isn't suitable for solar or wind installations, the future is shared renewables (also known as Solar Gardens, or Virtual/Remote Net-Metering). While New York doesn't currently allow this, enabling shared renewables would be a game-changer for clean energy in our state, by allowing anyone to subscribe to, invest in, and benefit from a renewable energy project in their area. To learn more, and sign a petition to bring shared renewables to New York, visit www.votesolar.org.

Help us build the biggest energy and environmental movement in New York State history!

Please sign the Renewable NY petition calling on our state and national elected officials to take the lead in bringing about the shift to renewable energy.

And while you're visiting the RNY website, learn the simple steps YOU can take to reduce your energy consumption or transition your home or business to renewable energy.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news by joining our community on Facebook.

From the entire Renewable NY and Mountainkeeper teams -- thank you! We look forward to working with you in 2015.

And please consider a tax-deductible donation to Renewable NY today. We depend on and are grateful for you support.