Commercial, Regulation, Sourcing Renewables  -  March 7, 2017

New York ski resorts commit to 100% clean energy

Three New York ski resorts have pledged to operate entirely on renewable energy by 2030 under an initiative intended to support the state's clean energy standard.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the commitment from the ski resorts — Belleayre Ski Resort, Gore Mountain and Whiteface Mountain — in a March 3 news release. The resorts have joined an initiative coordinated by The Climate Reality Project called the I AM PRO SNOW 100% Committed campaign, which encourages ski resorts, towns, businesses and other mountain communities around the world to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2030.

New York's current clean energy standard calls for 50% of its electricity to come from renewable energy sources by the same year. 

"Belleayre, Gore and Whiteface are key drivers of their local tourism economies, and with this commitment they are joining New York's nation-leading efforts to fight climate change, reduce our carbon footprint and foster the development of renewable resources," Governor Cuomo said. "This commitment to New York's future, along with landmark new state investments in these facilities, will help ensure these resorts' continued vitality for generations to come."

The governor's previously announced fiscal year 2018 Executive Budget includes a proposed $20 million to upgrade the facilities at Whiteface and Gore Mountain to build upon the region's tourism industry, and an additional $8 million for upgrades at Belleayre Ski Center this year.

"Recognizing the devastating impact the climate crisis will have on snow, the turn these ski areas are making towards solutions brings us all hope," Ken Berlin, CEO of The Climate Reality Project said in the governor's release. "Our community of renewable partners grows each day, and we can't wait to see who joins us next."

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