On day
three of his virtual State of the State address, Gov. Andrew Cuomo outlined an
ambitious new post-COVID-19 economic recovery plan focused on green energy.
"New
York should seize this moment,” the governor said. “We can establish ourselves
as the nation's leader for renewable energy, innovation and production."
One of
the announcements he made was for $26 billion “public-private sector
partnership to build nearly 100 renewable projects” – many of which are already
underway.
They
include a 20-megawatt solar project in Cortland and a 250-watt project in
Montgomery.
The
governor expects the green energy program to create thousands of jobs while
reducing carbon emissions.
"These
projects will not only create power, but bring needed economic opportunity to
struggling parts of our state," said Gov. Cuomo.
To
meet the demand for a green workforce, he announced training programs to
educate workers. A total of 2,500 workers are expected to begin that training
this summer.
Earlier
this week, the governor announced proposals to win the war against COVID-19 by
addressing New York's short-term economic issues and ensuring social and racial
justice.