The city is considering a contract to purchase hydroelectricity from Quebec and might also provide funding for the energy infrastructure.
"Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration is stepping up its pursuit of a transmission line that would pipe Canadian hydroelectricity directly into the five boroughs — and it may help build the line to make it happen," report Danille Muoio and Joe Anuta. Officials are looking to purchase hydropower from Champlain Hudson Power Express and possibly loaning the $3 billion needed for the transmission line from Quebec to New York City.
"For an administration that has cast itself as a leader in fighting climate change, drawing power from an existing hydroelectric plant seems to fit into its plan to reduce carbon emissions," notes Muoio and Anuta.
But the plan is also facing criticism on a number of fronts. Environmental advocates say that hydroelectric dams damage the environment and that renewable energy plans should involve investment in local communities. Citizens advocacy have also raised concerns about whether the city should be financing the project instead of the New York Power Authority.
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