Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – August 5, 2016

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Coverage of Albany and New York State government – August 5, 2016

  • PSC Approves Clean Energy Standard
  • State Restricts Sex Offenders from Playing Pokémon GO
  • Governor Signs Legislation Legalizing Daily Fantasy Sports
  • Governor Announces Broadband Program Awards, New Round of Funding
  • Assembly Committee Holds Hearing on State Economic Development Programs
  • Governor Announces Funding to Support Unmanned Aerial Systems Industry
  • Governor Announces Funding for Community Clean Energy Projects
  • Office of Victim Services Announces Public Awareness Campaign
  • Comptroller Reviews New York City Budget
  • Political Update
  • Coming Up

 

PSC Approves Clean Energy Standard

On Monday, the Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the state’s Clean Energy Standard, which requires 50 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2030.  Utilities and other energy suppliers will be required to procure and phase in new renewable power resources starting with 26.31 percent of the state’s total electricity load in 2017 and to 30.54 percent of the statewide total in 2021. Under the plan, the state will provide about $500 million per year in subsidies for twelve year for the state’s nuclear reactors.

The PSC estimates that the Clean Energy Standard will add about $2 per month to the average residential customer’s bill.

Gov. Cuomo described the standard as “the most comprehensive and ambitious clean energy mandate in the state’s history, to fight climate change, reduce harmful air pollution, and ensure a diverse and reliable energy supply.”  In a statement, he said:

“New York has taken bold action to become a national leader in the clean energy economy and is taking concrete, cost-effective steps today to safeguard this state’s environment for decades to come.  This Clean Energy Standard shows you can generate the power necessary for supporting the modern economy while combatting climate change. Make no mistake, this is a very real threat that continues to grow by the day and I urge all other states to join us in this fight for our very future.”

Environmental groups praised the PSC’s action, because it imposes mandates for electricity generators.  The state’s Business Council criticized the PSC’s actions, saying that it failed to “properly evaluate the significant costs associated with the Clean Energy Standard.”  The group says that this will cost energy ratepayers billions of dollars, and will put manufacturing jobs and jobs in other energy-intensive sectors in jeopardy.

 

Governor Signs Legislation Legalizing Daily Fantasy Sports

On Wednesday, Gov. Cuomo announced that he has signed into law a bill that legalizes interactive fantasy sports in New York. The new law requires that fantasy sports companies to register with and operate under regulations to be issued by the state Gaming Commission.

Last year, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed a lawsuit against the two largest daily fantasy sports (DFS) companies operating the state, saying that they were operating in violation of the state’s gambling prohibitions.  FanDuel and DraftKings, the two largest DFS operators, suspended their operations in New York and lobbied for the passage legislation to permit DFS.

Gov. Cuomo said:

“Daily fantasy sports have proven to be popular in New York, but until now have operated with no supervision and no protections for players.  This legislation strikes the right balance that allows this activity to continue with oversight from state regulators, new consumer protections, and more funding for education.”

 

State Restricts Sex Offenders from Playing Pokémon GO

On Monday, Gov. Cuomo announced that the state will prohibit sex offenders from using Pokémon Go and similar mobile games because of concerns that they could leave children vulnerable to sexual predators.  The Governor directed the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to impose new parole conditions for sex offenders that prohibits them from downloading, accessing, or otherwise engaging in any Internet-enabled gaming activities.

In addition, the Governor also wrote to the developer of Pokémon Go, it to find ways to prohibit sex offenders from playing the game.

Gov. Cuomo said:

“Protecting New York’s children is priority number one and, as technology evolves, we must ensure these advances don’t become new avenues for dangerous predators to prey on new victims.  These actions will provide safeguards for the players of these augmented reality games and help take one more tool away from those seeking to do harm to our children.”

Last week, State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx), said he would introduce legislation to curb the use of the game by sexual predators.  The concern is that the reality game can be used to lure players to near sex-offenders residences.

 

Governor Announces Broadband Program Awards, New Round of Funding

On Wednesday, Gov. Cuomo held a series of events around the state in which he announced the New NY Broadband Program’s Round I awards, which will connect 34,000 homes to high-speed internet for the first time, and the launch of Round II of the program.  Round II Request for Proposal Guidelines and application questions are now available through the state Broadband Program Office.

Gov. Cuomo said:

“Access to high-speed internet is critical to keeping pace with the rising demands of the modern economy.  The New NY Broadband Program is advancing our vision for inclusive, interconnected communities that empower individuals, support small businesses, and advance innovation. These actions are a major step forward in creating the most robust broadband infrastructure network in the nation, and ensuring that reliable, high-speed internet is available to all New Yorkers.”

 

Assembly Committee Holds Hearing on State Economic Development Programs

On Wednesday, the Assembly’s Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry held a public hearing on the state’s economic development programs.

Empire State Development Corp. CEO Howard Zemsky faced sharp questioning from lawmakers on the state’s economic development spending and system of targeted tax breaks for companies. The state’s START-UP New York program, which offers 10 years of tax-free operation for companies that create new jobs, was particularly scrutinized.  According to a report released in early July, the program has created 408 jobs, despite a $53 million advertising campaign.

Zemsky insisted that the state’s economic development efforts are working, citing the state’s record number of jobs and low unemployment rate. He said that START-UP NY is helping to change the state’s anti-business image, and that it will take some time for the program to create the thousands of jobs that are expected.

Read hearing testimony from the Empire Center, the Business Council of New York State, and the Citizens Budget Commission (CBC).

 

Governor Announces Funding to Support Unmanned Aerial Systems Industry

On Tuesday, Gov. Cuomo announced that the state will provide $5 million “to support and grow the emerging Unmanned Aerial Systems industry” in Central New York. The funding will support the effort to establish a hub for Unmanned Aerial Systems innovation and manufacturing, including the planning and design of “next generation” Unmanned Aerial Traffic Management infrastructure, national Unmanned Aerial Systems standardized testing and rating facilities, and an innovation district dedicated to unmanned systems in a corridor between the cities of Syracuse and Rome.

Gov. Cuomo said:

“Strategic investments in innovation and the industries of tomorrow are key components of our approach to economic development, and this is an emerging sector with high-growth potential. This commitment, and our partnership with regional stakeholders from Central New York, will ensure that New York State continues to lead the way in the development of high-tech, job-creating industries.”

 

Governor Announces Funding for Community Clean Energy Projects

On Wednesday, Gov. Cuomo announced the launch of Clean Energy Communities program, a $16 million initiative intended to help local governments reduce energy consumption and promote clean energy use.

Local governments that complete at least four of the 10 high-impact clean energy actions identified by the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will be designated as Clean Energy Communities. These communities will then be eligible to apply for grants of up to $250,000 to support additional clean energy projects.

Gov. Cuomo said:

“New York is a leader in the fight against climate change and the development of a green economy and at the heart of these efforts are the individuals across the state.  This initiative encourages alternatives that will save money and create new opportunities for municipalities, and is one more step toward building a cleaner and more sustainable New York.”

 

Office of Victim Services Announces Public Awareness Campaign

On Tuesday, Gov. Cuomo announced that the state’s Office of Victim Services (OVS) will launch public service campaign to raise awareness regarding the assistance that OVS and the community-based programs it funds provide to crime victims and their families. The broadcast and digital advertising campaign is titled Help, Healing and Hope for Crime Victims.

 

Comptroller Reviews New York City Budget

On Tuesday, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli issued a report on New York City’s financial plan, which finds that the city ended its 2016 fiscal year (on June 30) with an estimated $4 billion surplus, but warned that the city should be cautious going forward because of slowing economic growth and tax collections.

Comptroller DiNapoli said:

“New York City’s finances have been boosted by strong economic growth and conservative tax revenue forecasts in recent years.  While the city’s economy is doing well, there are reasons to be concerned about the future, including a slowing economy here and abroad. Mayor de Blasio’s cautious approach to FY 2017 is warranted given the economic risks ahead. I commend the Mayor and the City Council for increasing the city’s reserves in recent years.”

 

Political Update

Real Estate Executive to Challenge de Blasio

On Thursday, Real estate executive Paul Massey announced that he plans to run as a Republican against incumbent Democrat Bill de Blasio in 2017.

Massey founded a real estate development firm that he later sold to Cushman & Wakefield.  He said that his campaign will focus on managing the city.  Priorities will include improving the relationship between City Hall and rank-and-file police officers and addressing corruption in city government.  He also said that he will not participate in the city’s public matching-funds program.

Winners & Losers

Each week, City & State New York publishes a list of the week’s political “winners” and “losers.”  Read this week’s list here.

 

Coming Up

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) holds its next meeting on August 9.

The Board of Regents holds its next meeting on September 12 and 13.

Primary elections will be held on Tuesday, September 13.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) holds its next meeting on September 15.

The state Board of Elections holds its next meeting on September 15.

The state Commission on Legislative, Judicial, & Executive Compensation holds its next meeting on September 22.