Sen. Harckham, Environmental Advocates Call
To Raise Solar Energy Goals, Lower Obstacles
ALBANY— New York State Senator Pete Harckham (D, WF-40SD) is pressing for a plan that will deliver more energy at lower prices to New Yorkers.
On Tues., Feb. 10, he spoke in favor of the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act, which he is co-sponsoring to advance the successes of New York’s solar energy sector. He was joined at the State Capitol for a press conference with advocates and members of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) to back ASAP Act (S.6570 / A.8758), which is co-sponsored in the Assembly by Rep. Didi Barrett (D-106AD).
If it becomes law, the measure would raise New York’s distributed solar target from 10 gigawatts (GW) to 20 GW by 2035 and implement common-sense reforms to lower costs and streamline deployment. The bill aims to advance critical interconnection reforms that will reduce costs, shorten project timelines and allow for proactive grid investments to accommodate more solar capacity efficiently.
“The ASAP Act will save consumers over $1 billion annually, enhance grid reliability and create economic multiples of well-paying jobs and new industries in New York,” said Sen. Harckham. “Additionally, by ramping up the implementation of solar energy systems statewide we will provide cleaner, healthier air to breathe in communities statewide. Simply, codifying our commitment to solar energy is needed more today than ever before.”
A new report from Synapse Energy Economics found that meeting New York’s energy storage goal and achieving the expanded solar goals outlined in the ASAP Act will lower electricity bills for New Yorkers by $1 billion per year, delivering savings across the state and all year-round.
New York’s solar industry employs more than 15,000 workers statewide. Right now, the state is ahead of schedule toward its 10 GW by 2030 rooftop and community solar goal. Building an additional 10 GW of distributed solar over the next decade will boost New York’s “affordability agenda” with ratepayer savings and revenue for municipalities and school districts while doubling the number of solar industry jobs.
Prevailing wage requirements in the bill will ensure solar expansion creates high-quality local jobs. Additionally, it is meant to support local solar supply chains, electricians and construction workers—stimulating green job growth and attracting private-sector investment in New York’s clean energy economy.
The ASAP Act requires reforms to the utility interconnection process in order to streamline processes and lower costs for ratepayers. The legislation requires electric utilities to report and publish their actual distribution upgrade costs, enabling greater accountability and fairer cost estimation for solar developers. It also creates guardrails to protect against cost overruns, providing market clarity and reducing price volatility and surprise charges.
Published: February 10, 2026