On April 21, the NY State Senate passed the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act, one of the bills the NY State Council of Churches Environmental Justice Working Group has been supporting. Copied below is the news release from the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA).
Thank you all for your work on this. But do not flag in zeal! There is still more work to be done.
Rev. John Paarlberg
Chair Environmental Justice Working Group, NYSCOC
New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) applauds the State Senate for passing the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act. Today’s vote demonstrates New York’s unwavering commitment to powering our communities with affordable, reliable and renewable sources. We are grateful to Senator Pete Harckham and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for their leadership on this issue.
The ASAP Act cuts through red tape to lower costs and accelerate New York’s build out of rooftop and community solar to 20 gigawatts by 2035. A recent analysis completed by Synapse Energy Economics shows that the ASAP Act will deliver more than $1 billion every single year in avoided energy costs by doubling down on New York’s most successful clean energy sector. At a time when families and businesses are facing rising utility bills and exposure to volatile energy supply prices, distributed solar and storage provide reliable, locally produced power that reduces grid congestion, lowers peak prices, and strengthens the electric system.
The Senate’s passage of the ASAP Act underscores the urgency of acting now. To fully realize the affordability and reliability benefits this legislation offers, the fastest and most effective path forward is enactment through the FY2027 state budget. Doing so would allow New York to immediately scale proven solutions, provide market certainty, and ensure that cost‑saving clean energy investments reach households and communities as quickly as possible.
NYSEIA looks forward to continued engagement with the Governor, the Assembly, and legislative leaders to advance the ASAP Act in the coming weeks. Today’s vote is a meaningful step toward more stable, affordable energy solutions that save consumers money, reduce pollution, and strengthen the grid for years to come. Let’s get it done!
