In this episode of Building Tomorrow, we’re introducing you to New York State’s Energy Plan, the policy that will guide energy-related decision making for the next 15 years — from now until 2040.
Today’s host, Danielle Manley, Associate Director of Policy at Urban Green is joined by John Williams, the Chief Policy Officer of NYSERDA. They discuss the current state of the market and how energy policy can meet future demand, without delaying New York’s emission reduction goals.
Listen to the episode to hear about how the state’s energy policy is shifting to deliver affordable, reliable, clean energy to more New Yorkers by 2040.
John G. Williams, Chief Policy Officer, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
John Williams was appointed Chief Policy Officer for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on June 24, 2025. In this position, Mr. Williams is responsible for providing guidance for energy policy development for New York State. He oversees the Policy, Analysis, & Research team, providing economic analysis and scientific research to best inform policymakers in energy and environmental issues as well as the Business Performance Management unit, which provides market characterization and evaluation, markets and statistical insights, and metrics and performance analysis, all of which guide effective clean energy strategies. Mr. Williams is the recipient in 2021 of a Public Service Excellence Award from the State Academy for Public Administration.
Host: Danielle Manley, Associate Director of Policy at Urban Green Council
Danielle is responsible for advocacy, analysis and collaboration on Urban Green’s policy initiatives in New York City and State. She previously worked at the Center for Climate Systems Research at Columbia University’s Earth Institute researching and communicating local climate risk information for stakeholders in global cities and ecosystems, and served as project manager for the Third New York City Panel on Climate Change Report. Danielle also worked for nonprofits in Buffalo on environmental education and advocacy. She holds a Master’s Degree in Climate and Society from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University at Buffalo.
Resources
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider becoming a member of Urban Green, and subscribing to our podcast for more insightful conversations on building a sustainable future.
We'd like to thank Carrier for sponsoring the event and podcast.
#ClimateGoals #BuildingDecarbonization #EnergyEfficiency
Chapters:
00:59 — John’s path to energy policy
03:25 — What deregulation changed for how electricity is generated and delivered
05:32 — What is the State Energy Plan and how does it impact affordability, reliability, decarbonization, and load growth?
09:51 — How the Energy Plan aligns with the CLCPA
16:23 — Why nuclear is back in the mix
22:27 — Buildings continue to be front and center
27:45 — Transitioning the gas system
30:34 — State and local alignment
37:54 — What’s next?