The hearing heard the concerns of citizens about future renewable energy plans.

The recent draft plan published by the New York Power Authority details a plan to increase the renewable energy output by 3.5 gigawatts, a number some are saying isn't enough.

One such party is the Public Power NY, who says they need to strive for more to reach the state-wide goal of seventy percent renewable energy usage by 2030.

Vennela Yadhati, the Vice President of the NYPA's Renewable Energy Development, hopes the increased in projects will help their goals.

"NYPA will be working with organized labor and on developing these projects and executing these projects.  And we will also be doing workforce development programs again to build these jobs into long term careers. That's our goal here. So that will expand not just at an individual project level, but more at a macro level as we build our portfolio," Yadhati said.

A portfolio including solar, wind, and hyrdro energy jobs.  Jobs local advocates like Adam Flint, the Director of Clean Energy Programs at the Network for a Sustainable Tomorrow, hope reach the Southern Tier sooner rather than later.

"I think our battery industry is likely to be the most, involved in the New York Power Authority projects, in addition to solar, of course. I think the issue now is we only have one project on there plan. We need to have more projects on their plan," Flint said.

Projects that need more awareness, according to Flint.

"We also need to make sure that anyone, from any background, can get on to a clean energy career pathway, which means that needs to be visible. The clean energy industry is so broad and diverse that it can accommodate, a wide range of skills, whether it's manufacturing, trades, marketing, finance," Flint said.

Jobs not without practice in the area as local labor movements have seen, such as Kasey Eiklor of Laborer's Local Union 785 expressed.

"Our members really enjoy the solar work. It keeps them outside. Seems to be the most fruitful, as far as production of energy outside of hydro and and nuclear, but I believe solar is probably the cleanest way to go," Eiklor said.

The New York Power Authority is holding public hearings around the state until November 25th, and hopes to continue pushing New York as the clean energy hub of the nation.