Nick Reisman reports at New York State of Politics that Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a plan Sept. 20 for the state's solar panels to produce at least 10 gigawatts of solar energy by 2030. Hochul claims those efforts will create an additional 6,000 jobs, and would exceed the state's goal of using renewalable energy sources for 70 percent of its energy needs by the start of the next decade. "New York State must be more aggressive in setting the bar higher in recognition of the reality of climate change and the closing window of time to stop the worst impacts nationally and globally," Hochul said. "With this expansion, we are demonstrating New York State's commitment to increasing the amount of renewable energy flowing to the electric grid as well as creating more jobs in the solar industry in support of our growing clean energy economy. Climate change is a public health issue - we need to fight with everything we've got in order to ensure generations to come will be able to thrive on a healthy, efficient planet." Republican Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt criticized the part of the plan that partners with Canada. "While today’s renewable energy projects announced by the governor are worthwhile, this was a tremendous missed opportunity to not only increase grid resiliency, but also to promote New York generated power, jobs, and tax revenue," he said. "The Champlain Hudson project, which will originate in Quebec, will send good-paying jobs out of the country rather than to our Upstate communities where they are desperately needed." Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.