S 2486 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to the construction of geothermal energy generation facilities

This bill aims to expedite the construction and installation of new geothermal energy generation facilities, including dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle plants, across New York state. It establishes an expedited process where the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in consultation with the New York Power Authority, will pre-approve and map suitable sites for these facilities. The public will have an opportunity to comment on proposed sites if they affect local municipalities or agricultural land, and the bill directs NYSERDA to further expedite permitting for projects that utilize local unions for construction or retrofitting existing fossil fuel facilities.

Issues: ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 21, 2025 Last action Mar 4, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

S2486 → S2486A · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to clarify its title by adding 'energy generation' and to significantly revise the new section on geothermal facilities. The changes streamline oversight by removing multiple agencies and focusing authority on the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York Power Authority. The revised text also adds transparency requirements for public comment on site approvals and updates the mapping process to include specific technical details like grid connection and cost estimates.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed from a broad multi-agency oversight model to a more centralized approach led by NYSERDA and the Power Authority, while adding specific requirements for public input on site selection.

SCOPE

The bill title was updated to specify 'geothermal energy generation facilities' for clarity.

REQUIREMENT

Agency oversight was reduced from multiple state entities to primarily NYSERDA and the Power Authority, removing references to the public service commission.

New requirements mandate that site approval information be published on NYSERDA's website for at least 30 days to allow public comment, particularly when projects affect agricultural land or local municipalities.

Removed provisions requiring annual safety inspections for geothermal companies and affiliates.

Added a new provision directing NYSERDA to create rules for expediting permits when local unions are hired for construction or retrofitting projects.

TECHNICAL

The mapping process now requires specific technical assessments including grid connection capabilities, energy storage accommodation, drilling depth for economic viability, and cost estimates.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 4, 2026

Committee

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE

upper

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

upper

Apr 28, 2025

Committee

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE

upper

Feb 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 2486A

upper

Feb 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

upper

Jan 21, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors