Schneiderman wants utilities to prepare for climate change
Scott Waldman
ALBANY—New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will propose legislation requiring the state's electric and gas utilities to prepare for climate change to prevent widespread power outages.
The utilities would first have to assess their vulnerability to climate change, then document how they are mitigating those areas to protect infrastructure. Under the legislation, utilities would file a “Climate Change Impact Statement” to the state Public Service Commission that would be subject to public review and comment.
Schneiderman is expected to unveil the proposal at an event tonight for the League of Conservation Voters, at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan.
“New Yorkers learned the hard way after Sandy and Irene that many of our utility providers are unprepared for a future of more extreme weather,” Schneiderman said. “By requiring gas and electric utilities to assess their vulnerability to climate change and then outline their plans to protect their energy systems, we can ensure that utility providers are investing ratepayer dollars wisely.”
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/05/8545617/schneiderman-wants-utilities-prepare-climate-change?top-featured-2
