Directs the state fire prevention and building code council to update the state fire prevention and building code and the state energy conservation construction code within 18 months of the publication of any updated or revised edition of the international and national codes relating thereto, so as to ensure that the state's codes reflect such revisions and updates.
Requires certain municipal planning boards and zoning boards of appeals to receive at least one hour of environmentally conscious planning training annually.
Provides an exemption from requirements for the alienation of parkland for renewable energy generating projects with a generating capacity not exceeding two megawatts and which are located above real property currently used for vehicle parking.
This bill allows local municipal agencies responsible for waste management to install and use surveillance cameras to identify people illegally dumping waste. It directly affects towns and cities with authority over sanitation, enabling them to review camera footage as evidence. The key provision authorizes these agencies to deploy cameras in areas prone to illegal dumping and use the footage to track down violators. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, focusing solely on expanding local enforcement tools for waste management.
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.
Establishes a chief sustainability officer to coordinate efforts across state agencies and other state government entities to address climate change mitigation and climate sustainability efforts.
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.
