Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cap-and-Invest work?

  1. Cap: New York State sets a cap on total carbon emissions.

  2. Invest: Power plants and other large emitters purchase allowances for the carbon they emit, creating a financial incentive to reduce emissions.

  3. Reinvestment: Funds generated from the sale of allowances are reinvested in renewable energy projects, energy efficiency programs, and initiatives benefiting disadvantaged communities.

  4. Outcome: This market-based approach reduces emissions, promotes clean energy, and drives economic growth.

What is Carbon Free New York (CFNY)?

We are a coalition of like-minded organizations dedicated to ensuring New York leads the nation in clean energy by decarbonizing its electricity sector via a Cap-and-Invest program. Our approach aligns the power sector with the state's clean energy goals set forth in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). We advocate for the inclusion of the power sector in the state’s program to ensure polluters pay for their emissions, thereby accelerating the transition to a clean energy future.

Who are the members of CFNY?

  • ACE NY

  • AES

  • APEX Clean Energy

  • American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)

  • Citizens' Climate Lobby New York

  • ConnectGEN

  • Constellation

  • CS Energy

  • Cypress Creek Renewables

  • EDF Renewables

  • EDP Renewables

  • East Light Partners

  • Egg Geo

  • Healthy Planet

  • International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30

  • Invenergy

  • Key Capture Energy

  • New York State Building & Construction Trades Council

  • New York State Pipe Trades Association

  • UBC Millwrights

  • United Brotherhood of Carpenters

  • U.S. Green Building Council - Long Island Chapter

  • National Hydropower Association (NHA)

  • Northland Power

  • Nuclear New York

  • New York Energy and Climate Advocates

  • New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV)

  • New York State Laborers Organizing Fund (LiUNA)

  • ReEnergy

  • RWE

  • Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)

  • Shell Energy

  • Upstate Energy Jobs

Why did you form CFNY?

Our coalition was formed to seize the opportunity for New York to be the nation’s clean energy leader by aligning the power sector with the state’s clean energy goals set forth in the CLCPA, advocating for the inclusion of the power sector in the state’s economywide Cap-and-Invest program. This approach will:

  • Align New York’s electricity sector with the long-term climate goals identified in the CLCPA.

  • Accelerate the decarbonization of New York’s power generation and imported electricity.

  • Improve public health by transitioning from high-emission power sources, especially in disadvantaged communities.

  • Foster the development of new renewable projects and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

  • Drive investments in clean energy and efficient transmission infrastructure.

  • Create thousands of high-quality jobs in the green economy.

  • Encourage innovation in clean energy technologies.

  • Ensure a fair and equitable distribution of benefits, particularly for disadvantaged communities.

  • Enhance New York's leadership in climate action and sustainable economic growth.

How does this help New Yorkers?

  1. Investment Growth: Stimulates investment and innovation in clean energy generation and infrastructure.

  2. Public Health: Improves air quality and public health by phasing out the highest-emitting power plants, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

  3. Job Creation: Creates thousands of new, high-quality jobs in the green economy.

  4. Equity: Ensures an equitable distribution of benefits, with a focus on improving conditions in disadvantaged communities.

  5. Leadership: Reinforces New York's position as a national leader in climate change mitigation and clean energy innovation.