How will you spend your Thanksgiving break?
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and 10 other senators have drafted an expansive solar energy bill that could bring thousands of jobs to the state.
The legislation, originally proposed by Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, calls for the installation of 10 million solar roofs on commercial and residential properties by 2020. The initiative would improve environmental conditions and is expected to create over 750,000 jobs nationwide.
In a recent press release, Gillibrand commended the bill, saying it came at a crucial time and would be vital to New York's economic recovery.
According to the New York Department of Labor, the state's unemployment rate rose to 9 percent in December, while the national rate rose to 10 percent. If the legislation passes, additional jobs ranging from manufacturing to maintenance will become available.
According to Cecil Scheib, NYU's director of energy and sustainability, the university has increasingly become an environmentally friendly campus and believes this bill will be beneficial for both the environment and the economy.
"NYU has focused most of its energy efforts on efficiency and conservation, since these can save substantial amounts of money with quick paybacks," Scheib said.
He cited the construction of the cogeneration facility at Mercer Street as one effort by the university to increase energy production efficiency while also benefiting the environment.
Scheib also said NYU would consider solar technology in order to become more environmentally sustainable.
"NYU aggressively pursues opportunities to reduce its energy and maintenance costs and reduce its carbon footprint. NYU will consider solar panels if they can meet those goals safely and cost-effectively," Scheib said.
The legislation includes incentives like rebates with the installation of the solar energy systems. Should NYU utilize the system, it would be eligible to receive such benefits.
This is not the first time that such a bill has been introduced.
Both New Jersey and California have already implemented their own solar energy programs. New Jersey's program, which included various wind, solar and architectural projects, cost approximately $177,238,000.
Gillibrand said she hoped that similar achievements can be made in New York.
