Establishes the "small water utility transparency act"; requires the public service commission and the department of environmental conservation to conduct audits of certain private water companies; requires certain private water companies which are under certain investigations to file public updates on the status of compliance with such orders.
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.
Prohibits publicly owned treatment works from accepting wastewater associated with the exploration, delineation, development, or production of natural gas from high-volume hydraulic fracturing; provides exceptions.
Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act requiring that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains; establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program to assist small and medium-sized businesses and minority and women-owned businesses in achieving compliant supply chains.
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.
Bill S 7135 requires the Public Service Commission (PSC) to initiate the development of hybrid heating pilot programs across the state. Within six months, gas and combination gas and electric corporations must submit plans for these programs, which involve installing systems that pair heat pump technology with traditional gas heating. The plans must prioritize customers in disadvantaged communities and low-to-moderate income households. The PSC will review and approve these plans, considering their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide reliable heating, with utilities authorized to recover program costs through customer surcharges.
This bill adds a new classification for "clean environment and energy technologies" to industrial definitions. It specifically covers pollution reduction methods, renewable energy generation/storage, and energy efficiency systems like smart grids and automated energy control technology. Businesses developing these technologies will be directly affected, as the bill formally defines which innovations qualify under this new category. The legislation focuses on creating clear standards for emerging clean tech sectors without imposing new regulations or funding.
Establishes a program for eligible zero emissions energy systems to promote private sector investment for the purpose of meeting the target that by the year two thousand forty the statewide electrical demand system will be zero emissions.
Aligns utility regulation with state climate justice and emission reduction targets; provides for a statewide affordable gas transition plan and utility home energy affordable transition programs; repeals provisions relating to continuation of gas service; repeals provisions relating to the sale of indigenous natural gas for generation of electricity.
Establishes energy efficiency measures by the public service commission and NYSERDA including requiring utilities to hire and train employees who are from priority populations or living in areas designated as environmental justice communities.
