S 7899 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Provides that priority shall be given to certain sites when developing renewable energy generating projects

This bill defines "agrivoltaics" as projects that simultaneously use land for solar energy generation and agriculture (like growing crops under solar panels), with specific requirements to maintain farming activities. It requires state authorities to prioritize previously developed sites - such as brownfields, landfills, parking lots, and underutilized commercial properties - for new renewable energy projects. The law directly affects agricultural producers and renewable energy developers by creating a framework for dual-use solar-farming projects on suitable land. Key provisions include mandatory planning with farmers, decommissioning plans to protect farmland, and restrictions on using pollinator habitats or sheep grazing as the sole activity.

Issues: ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Bill status died 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

May 2025

Committee Review

Jan 2026

Senate Passage

Jun 2025

Assembly Passage

Governor

Introduced May 13, 2025 Last action Jan 7, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

S7899 → S7899A · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends the Public Authorities Law to formally define 'agrivoltaics' as the simultaneous use of land for solar power and agriculture, requiring specific design standards to protect farming activities. It also clarifies that the authority must prioritize previously developed sites like brownfields and parking lots over active farmland when building renewable energy projects.

Scope change

The bill shifts the legal framework from a general preference for certain sites to a specific definition of agrivoltaics, while maintaining the priority for non-agricultural sites.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'agrivoltaics' in Section 1901, specifying that it must be intentionally planned with agricultural experts and include provisions for decommissioning to protect soil utility.

Added a new definition for 'agricultural products and activities' to explicitly include crop production, animal husbandry, and livestock grazing, while excluding sheep grazing and pollinator habitats as sole activities.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified the requirements for renewable energy projects on agricultural land to mandate that they be agrivoltaics projects, ensuring they do not significantly displace farming activity.

REQUIREMENT

Clarified that the authority must give priority to previously developed sites (such as brownfields and parking lots) over active farmland when developing renewable energy projects.

TIMELINE

Added an effective date clause stating the act takes effect immediately, though specific amendments to Public Authorities Law sections are deemed repealed upon the repeal of those sections.

Floor votes · Senate Jun 11, 2025

How they voted

56–3

Passed · 4 other

Total votes 63

Jun 11, 2025

D Democratic41

38 Yea 3

92% Yea

R Republican22

18 Yea 3 Nay 1

81% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

upper

Jun 11, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO ENERGY

lower

Jun 11, 2025

Upper · Passed

PASSED SENATE

upper

Jun 11, 2025

Committee

COMMITTEE DISCHARGED AND COMMITTED TO RULES

upper

Jun 6, 2025

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 7899A

upper

Jun 6, 2025

Upper · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

upper

May 13, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors