Establishes the agrivoltaics viability pilot program to provide grants to identify the best practices and strategies for agrivoltaics and dual-use solar energy projects that protect soil health during construction and decommissioning of solar arrays, utilize sustainable agricultural production practices, monitor any benefits solar energy may have on farms and to the state, track economic viability, study the commercialization of dual-use solar energy projects, and encourage equitable engagement of stakeholders.
Creates a small business renewable tax credit; provides the term "business related renewable energy usage" shall refer to renewable power usage used to further the economic activity of the taxpayer at the primary business location that is clearly delimited from any shared renewable energy power usage cost.
Enacts the "Customer Savings and Reliability Act" in relation to regional affordable gas transition plans to guide an orderly, affordable, and equitable right-sizing of the utility gas system in a manner that aligns with climate justice and emissions reduction provisions.
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.
Authorizes and directs the energy research and development authority, the public service commission and NYPA to conduct a study to determine the possibility of closing certain peaker plants.
Requires signage on state highways designating where there is a zero-emission charging and refueling station that is open and available to the public within three miles of an exit or off-ramp.
Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to establish a ride clean rebate program for electric assist bicycles and electric scooters; defines terms; provides a fifty percent rebate for eligible purchases.
This bill increases financial assistance standards for New York residents receiving public assistance. Starting July 1, 2025, the monthly need standard for eligibility and maximum benefit amounts will double (e.g., from $158 to $316 for single-person households), with annual adjustments tied to federal cost-of-living changes. Home energy grants and supplemental home energy grants also double starting July 2025 (e.g., from $14.10 to $28.20 monthly for single-person households). These changes directly affect low-income individuals and families qualifying for state public assistance programs.
Bill S 6595 establishes a property tax abatement program for owners of certain buildings in cities with populations of one million or more. This program incentivizes the installation of "facility-integrated carbon-to-value equipment" designed to capture, remove, or beneficially use carbon dioxide emissions. Eligible property owners can receive an abatement for a compliance period of up to eight years, calculated as the lesser of 5% of eligible equipment expenditures, the taxes payable, or $100,000 annually (with a potential maximum of $800,000). The equipment must demonstrate a net reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and specific restrictions apply, including for certain boiler systems and locations within environmental justice areas.
Relates to small business energy assistance and advocacy services; establishes the small business energy assistance and advocacy services program within the division for small-business; authorizes the division for small-business to initiate complaints to the public service commission regarding gas and electricity and steam heat.
