Welcome Your New Expert Interview Series: Katrina Mancini, New Expert in The Energy Collective- [an Energy Central Power Perspectives™ Expert Interview]

This experience all made her perfectly suited for joining the Energy Central Network of Experts, specifically in The Energy Collective. As a part of her new role here, Katrina agreed to join us for a Power Perspectives Interview. In this conversation, she delves into the intricacies of the CLCPA, unraveling its ambitious goals and far-reaching consequences.

Enjoy!

Matt Chester: Thanks for agreeing to join our Expert Network, Katrina! I’d love to start with the basics—can you share with us what your role is in the industry today and how you got to this career path?

Katrina Mancini: Despite what my title may imply, at the local level, I am Corning Energy Corporation’s business liaison. My daily responsibilities center around building and maintaining the strategic partnerships between each of the parent company’s three subsidiaries, the municipalities they serve, the economic development authorities which anchor these communities, and other utilities within or abutting our current and future franchise territories. Simply stated: I’m the grease which keeps our corporate gears in motion with as little friction as possible.

At the international level, I am the current the Vice-Chair of the Energy Solutions Center (ESC), “a technology commercialization and market development organization working to accelerate the acceptance and deployment of new energy-efficient, [natural] gas-fueled technologies”. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the “ESC represents energy [primarily natural gas] utilities, municipal energy authorities, and equipment manufactures and vendors” across the United States and Canada. A firm supporter of the American Gas Association (AGA), the ESC promotes the use of natural gas in all forms and educates the public regarding the importance of this domestic, cost- and energy-efficient product’s vital role in the battle to combat global warming.

So, how did I discover this career path? Great question! Often considered mutually exclusive, I’m both a social butterfly and a science nerd with the natural ability to effectively communicate with audiences of all backgrounds, in all forms. Eighteen years ago, this somewhat uncommon combination led me to apply to Corning Natural Gas Corporation for a position in customer service to gain a solid understanding of the utility industry. Eight years later, confidently possessing a firm grasp of natural gas distribution, I moved into marketing and public relations, where I found my calling in the world of energy. To keep abreast of the new applications of natural gas, such as NGVs and other innovative end-user technologies entering the energy arena, and the up-and-coming sustainable energy sources competing for our market share, I joined the ESC. The rest is history.

MC: Tell us a bit about New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. What does this Act do, what are the impacts being felt, and what is your role in it?

KC: Commonly referred to as the CLCPA, New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act passed into law in July 2019. “Enacted to address climate change and to achieve statewide net-zero GHG emission by 2050, the CLCPA mandates carbon emissions reductions from all sectors of the NYS’ economy and requires 100% of the electricity used in the state must come from clean energy sources by 2040. Additionally, the act instructs NY state agencies, authorities, and entities to invest and direct available and relevant programmatic resources in a manner designed to achieve a goal for disadvantaged communities to receive 40% of overall benefits of spending on clean energy and energy efficiency programs, projects, or investments”.

Initially, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act set forth two goals. First, a carbon neutral economy. To be achieved, the law set a net-zero emissions goal by 2050, mandating 100% green electric daily generation via:

• 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035
• 6,000 MW of distributed solar by 2025
• 3,000 MW of energy storage by 2030

Put in perspective: 1 megawatt (MW) of electricity powers 100 homes daily. NYC requires 11,000 MW every day.

The second act of the CLCPA changed the Environmental Conservation Law to create three new advisory groups to oversee the transition process, most notably, the Climate Action Council. The sole responsibility of the Council? To identify how NYS will eliminate the use of ALL fossil fuels within its borders by 2050. Unsure how the state would transition from our current fossil fuel-driven economy into green energy, the Climate Action Council constructed the draft Scope of Plan which, released in December 2021, is 331 pages and 24 chapters long. The final Scope of Plan, released in December 2022, retains the original 24 chapters, and embodies 445 pages. It encompasses everything from All Electric Buildings to How to Feed Your Cows. This is not an exaggeration; Agriculture and Forestry are the topics of Chapter 15. The Scope of Plan outlines what NYS farmers can feed their cattle, when they can feed them, and how often. It seems green grass produces flatulence. And flatulence is methane. Methane, as I’m sure all Energy Central members know, is natural gas. Natural gas pollutes the atmosphere. And NYS is outlawing all sources of air pollutants. So, what do you do with cattle flatulence? You capture it and convert it into renewable natural gas. Under the Scope of Plan, only farmers can use that, but I don’t know a single one who can afford it. Traditional farming practices aren’t the only legacy methodologies impacted by the Plan.

But I digress.

The impacts of this law are felt across the board. Beginning January 1, 2026, most new construction of buildings under seven stories, including single-family homes, will no longer be eligible for natural gas and must be electrification ready. The exceptions are as follows:

• Emergency back-up power
• Manufactured homes
• Manufacturing
• Commercial food establishments
• Laboratories
• Laundromats
• Hospitals or medical facilities
• Crematoriums
• Other critical infrastructure, “not defined”
• But gas cooking stoves are EXEMPTED in commercial buildings until 2035 under the new law.

In lieu of fossil fuel heating equipment, the final Scope of Plan mandates electric air-source heat pumps (EAHPs). Countering their own directive, the most damning vote against EAHPs was accidentally cast by an excerpt from the draft Scope of Plan itself, which states: “In the State’s coldest regions, where heating systems are designed for temperatures of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, some homes that install cold climate air source heat pumps may therefore use supplemental heat (wood, home heating oil, propane, or gas) for peak cold conditions to avoid unnecessary oversizing of heat pumps and to mitigate electric grid impacts.” Yet nowhere in the final Scope of Plan are these fuel sources approved for use of any kind.

In 2035, all new Light-duty vehicle (LDV) sales will be limited to EVs. As many know or may have been those unfortunate enough to experience first-hand, the availability of EV charging stations is grossly limited. And many of those in existence are Tesla-specific. Much like the difference between an Apple charger and that of an Android device, Tesla and general EV chargers are incompatible. Given the limited range of any EV and the incremental decline of battery reliability in extreme temperatures, this situation contrarily creates dangerous conditions for those of us who live in the rural portions of upstate while simultaneously providing a vast, unclaimed market share with limited competition for those willing and able to provide the necessary infrastructure.

The greatest drawback to this opportunity lies in the outdated and underdeveloped electric infrastructure which currently provides electricity in NYS. According to the former NYS Public Service Commissioner, to bring the existing grid up to the needed capacity and reliability, it will cost approximately $300 BILLION, $300 billion funded by NYS taxpayers and utility ratepayers. Even if that money were available right now, the likelihood the grid would be entirely rebuilt in time to meet the 2050 deadline remains unrealistic. The lead time to obtain the vital components, the ability to hire and retain the necessary manpower, and the mandate to generate enough dispatchable 100% green electricity all pose significant barriers to this plan.

Beyond the commodity and infrastructure issues, the Climate Action Council who birthed the Scope of Plan blatantly ignores the economic kick in the pants it will bring forth despite its own admission of limited environmental improvement. According to the Plan, Chapter 14: Industry, and I quote:

“…energy- or emission-intensive and trade-exposed industries are likely to represent a high share of industry sector emissions. As a result, non-incentive-oriented approaches are likely to cause leakage, whereby businesses leave or avoid the State and locate in other jurisdictions where they can emit higher levels of GHGs than they could have had they remained in the State. This results in less economic activity in the State but may achieve no progress on reducing global emissions; in fact, it may increase emissions overall.”

Please forgive my harsh tone, but as a New York State (NYS) resident, I firmly object to Franklin Roosevelt’s belief, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” The fear of freezing to death in our homes, of being stranded miles from a charging station, and of statewide economic despair are legitimate fears equal to and mutually exclusive of the fear of fear itself.

MC: As a sustainability-minded professional working in the world of gas, what role do you see gas having in our upcoming efforts to decarbonize? How do you ensure the role of gas when many may try to diminish its role as it is a fossil fuel?

KM: Fabulous question! In February 2022—10 months BEFORE NYS released their Final Plan–The American Gas Association revealed the results of a three-year study:

• The BEST option for reducing Green House Gas emissions? A combination of ALL fossil fuels, building weatherization, and appliance efficiency
• Weatherization coupled with a mixed-bag of fuel sources, both fossil and green, provided the net-zero emissions NYS and many other authorities demand while maintaining the health, safety, and comfort of their residents and citizens.

Ahh, the moment I waited for all day: “How do you ensure the role of gas when many may try to diminish its role as it is a fossil fuel?” I take my show on the road! Beginning with Question #2, every piece of information I shared in this interview was pulled from various presentations I have given since the CLCPA passed in July 2019. Over the course of its 3.5-year existence, I have presented more than a dozen times, in three states: as far west and as recently as June 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah, on this law. On occasion, I provide the “opening act” for New York Senator Tom O’Mara, and New York Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, outspoken supporters of the continuation of natural gas in the state.

MC: What are some technological opportunities or advancements expected in the coming years that have you most excited?

KM: Hydrogen! I am super excited about both hydrogen-methane blends, and 100% hydrogen replacement of methane for LDC and end-user energy purposes. Given its current challenges: volatility, corrosion, cost, and difficulty being odorized, we still have a lot of work to do to make this a reality, but I’m truly looking forward to it.

MC: What is one piece of advance you’d share with the leaders and decision-makers of U.S. utilities if given the floor to do so?

KM: “It isn’t easy being green.”  –Kermit the Frog

In all seriousness, New York is not the first to attempt a green economy; Germany and the UK both tried—and both failed—at the expense of their economies and the welfare of their citizens, another topic I present. My advice to the leaders and decision-makers of any utility, lawmaker, or government: Learn from others’ mistakes. To quote George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Educate and advocate for the continued use of natural gas as a vital component of a mixed bag of fuel sources, both fossil and green, and increase weatherization efforts to reduce GHG emissions.

MC: Why did you feel compelled to get more involved in the Energy Central Community? And what value do you hope to bring to your peers on the platform?

KM: The histories of Germany’s and the UK’s attempts and failures of an “energy transition” motivate me to get more involved in the Energy Central Community. I practice what I preach—advocacy and education. The value I hope to bring to my peers on the platform is awareness and avoidance of repeating the same mistakes these well-intending nations made.

To summarize a quote by Maya Angelou, “We do what we know how to do. When we know better, we do better.” My hope is by creating awareness of these pitfalls, we can protect both the environment and the people of our planet as well.

MC: What is your final message to our Community?

KM: To replace fossil fuel electric generation, the CLCPA mandates by 2030—less than seven years from today–70% of the state’s electricity will be produced by renewables. Right now, wind and solar combined make up approximately 12% of the typical daily electricity mix. Twelve. And they’re also the least effective at producing electricity in the winter.

Currently, 46% of NYS’ electricity is produced using natural gas.

Our current electric grid was designed to work the hardest in the summer when we’re running our air conditioners. It was never intended to charge our electric vehicles while heating every building in the state on the coldest days of the year with a toaster oven and a fan. That would be as effective as pulling on a windbreaker in Antarctica to ward off hypothermia. While this may seem to be an outrageous analogy, consider the electric outage that occurred in Texas in February 2021:

• Four million residents were without power in freezing weather, some for 10 days;
• More than 200 residents died; and
• And over 1,400 people sought hospital care due to carbon monoxide poisoning, as people used alternative power sources, like charcoal grills, to stay warm.   

This was a 100-year storm in Texas. In Upstate New York, this is an-every-other-week event.

And Texas didn’t outlaw fossil fuels, ban internal combustion engines, nor mandate all-electric buildings.

Just food for thought.

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Thanks to Katrina for joining me for this interview and for providing a wealth of insights and expertise to the Energy Central Community. You can trust that Katrina will be available for you to reach out and connect, ask questions, and more as an Energy Central member, so be sure to make her feel welcome when you see her across the platform.

The other expert interviews that we’ve completed in this series can be read here, and if you are interested in becoming an expert, you can reach out to me or you can apply here.