Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush raised concerns about the transparency of spending by the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) during a public hearing held by the Assembly Energy Committee in Albany. According to Blankenbush, NYSERDA operates without legislative financial oversight, raising bipartisan worries about unclear allocation of taxpayer funds.
Blankenbush criticized the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), a plan supported by NYSERDA. He highlighted that NYSERDA has broad discretion over fund utilization under this policy, which he fears could lead to future affordability issues. “There needs to be more oversight of NYSERDA by the State Legislature,” Blankenbush stated, emphasizing the need for a safe and efficient transition to clean energy while ensuring transparency in costs for New Yorkers.
The cost-benefit analysis of CLCPA estimates expenses between $280 billion and $340 billion, which Blankenbush warned could financially strain the state.
