by Brianna Crandall — January 16, 2013—New York Governor Andrew Cuomo reported on numerous topics during his State of the State address on January 9, but perhaps among the least expected was his emphasis on cleantech and renewable energy. Of import to facilities managers, he also outlined proposals to better prepare New York buildings and infrastructure for future storm events as well as a changing climate.
To help New York win the “footrace” to develop cleantech technology, the governor announced a $1 billion NY Green Bank to spur investment; the expansion of the NY-Sun Solar Jobs program to increase solar installations; a Charge NY Program for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations; and the creation of a cabinet-level Energy Czar position to oversee the state’s energy initiatives.
In response to the crippling effects of Hurricane Sandy and other recent major storms, Governor Cuomo also outlined a series of proposals for the state to fortify and upgrade the systems that can be paralyzing when they fail during an emergency, as well as to tackle the reality of a changing climate.
To those ends, the governor proposed to lower the regional greenhouse gas emissions cap; increase alternative local renewable power sources; ensure a skilled energy workforce; improve the resilience of New York buildings; provide assistance to property owners to mitigate or sell properties in vulnerable areas; and ensure that healthcare facilities are resilient.
To improve the resilience of New York buildings, the governor proposed updating the state building code to promote smarter, resilient building performance, as well as increased survivability. These changes would impact new construction and major renovations to existing construction, and would take into account the impact on different geographies and building types and consider factors such as effectiveness for protecting health and safety, as well as cost.
To ensure that healthcare facilities are resilient, the governor proposed to update the Department of Health’s review of applications for new and substantial expansion of hospitals and nursing homes to consider location and infrastructure vulnerabilities. Under the proposal, healthcare facility applicants would be required to address the risks associated with being in a vulnerable location.
The governor also outlined a series of proposals designed to harden New York’s infrastructure to better withstand future major storms. Proposals covered building a more resilient New York Harbor; hardening the subway system, fuel delivery system, and utilities; and strengthening wastewater infrastructure. In addition, the governor proposed fundamentally redesigning New York’s power system, and proposed several steps toward better collaboration and preparation for effective emergency response.
