A 10075 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Prohibits incentives for the siting or operation of commercial renewable energy systems in sensitive environmental areas

This bill (A 10075) prohibits state incentives - including financial assistance, tax exemptions, and zero-emission credits - for commercial renewable energy projects (like large solar farms) in specific sensitive environmental areas. It directly affects developers and farmers seeking state support for such projects on land within agricultural districts, critical environmental areas, grassland bird conservation centers, bird conservation areas, or wildlife management zones. Exceptions apply only to agrivoltaic systems (combining crops and solar) or renewable energy systems designed primarily for on-farm electricity use. The law amends multiple state laws to block these incentives while allowing limited on-farm renewable energy development.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 30, 2026 Last action Mar 13, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

A10075 A10075A · 4 edits
MODERATE
This bill amends New York State laws to prohibit financial incentives for commercial renewable energy projects on agricultural land, with specific exceptions for agrivoltaic systems (solar panels combined with farming) and on-site power generation. The changes clarify that 'agricultural land' now specifically refers to land used in active agricultural production rather than just being in an agricultural district, and they introduce new legal definitions for agrivoltaics and qualifying farming activities.
Scope change
The bill narrows the scope of prohibited incentives to specifically target 'commercial' renewable energy projects on 'land used in agricultural production,' while explicitly allowing exceptions for agrivoltaic systems and projects providing electricity for on-site use.
ELIGIBILITY

Prohibits incentives for commercial renewable energy systems on agricultural land, but creates an exception for agrivoltaic systems and systems providing on-site electricity.

Changed the definition of protected land from 'agricultural districts' to 'land used in agricultural production,' broadening the protection to active farms regardless of district status.

DEFINITION

Added new legal definitions for 'agrivoltaics' (simultaneous solar and farming) and 'agricultural products and activities' (including crops, livestock, and grazing, but excluding sheep grazing or pollinator habitats as sole activities).

REQUIREMENT

Updated references to environmental laws to align with current statutes, specifically changing wildlife management area citations.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Amendments
2
Mar 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
PRINT NUMBER 10075A
lower
Mar 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO AGRICULTURE
lower
Jan 30, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
lower
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors

Sponsors