Senator Parker passes two bills concerning Critical Energy Infrastructure & The New York State Build Public Renewables Act

Brooklyn, N.Y. - New York State Senator Kevin Parker recently passed two energy-related bills focusing on limiting cybersecurity attacks and providing renewable energy to the State of New York. The first relates to critical energy infrastructure security and responsibility and the other implements the "New York State Build Public Renewables Act".

The energy security bill is a major win for the environment and the state of New York since many government agencies use automation systems to keep everything from aircraft to bases running properly. While keeping things running smoothly many agencies were in search of a simple but diverse way to see inventory assets and networks. This is the beginning of a stronger cybersecurity posture. “With the passage of my “critical energy infrastructure security and responsibility bill we can ensure that our grid will be protected from all vulnerabilities --  whether it is physical in nature or in the form of complex cybersecurity threats,” said Senator Parker. “As our grid transitions and relies increasingly on green distributed energy we must ensure we are protected from the increasing threats that degrade and disrupt the process in industrial environments.”

The State of New York has enacted the most aggressive climate goals of any state in the country. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates the state of New York retain 70% of its electricity from renewable energy outlets by 2030. Currently, the state receives 30% of its electricity from renewable sources. 

“If we are going to meet these ambitious goals, we need an all hands on deck approach,” Senator Parker said in speaking about his second bill. “ However, this legislation is not a silver bullet to have all utilities owned by the state but rather a permissive action to get the New York Power Authority more involved in the development of clean and sustainable energy in the state.  We need as many clean energy projects developed by as many entities as possible to meet the energy needs of New Yorkers while keeping energy costs low, and reliability and resilience high,” he added.

                                                   About State Senator Kevin Parker 

Senator Kevin S. Parker is intimately familiar with the needs of his ethnically diverse Brooklyn district comprising sections of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Kensington, Ditmas Park Midwood, Flatlands, Canarsie, Georgetown, Old Mill Basin, Mill Basin, Marine Park, and Bergen Beach. A lifelong Brooklyn resident, he is the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee and sits on the Senate Finance; Rules; Banks; Internet and Technology; Rules; and Budget and Revenue.

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