S 9478 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

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

This bill prohibits government incentives for commercial renewable energy projects like solar farms in sensitive environmental areas and on active farmland, with specific exceptions for agrivoltaic systems that combine solar power with agriculture. It removes eligibility for financial assistance, zero emission credits, and tax exemptions for such projects located in critical environmental areas, bird conservation zones, grassland bird centers, and wildlife management areas. The legislation also formally defines agrivoltaics as solar systems that simultaneously produce energy and agricultural products without displacing farming activities, while excluding certain practices like sole reliance on pollinator habitats or sheep grazing. These changes directly affect developers proposing renewable energy projects and government agencies administering agricultural and environmental programs.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 17, 2026 Last action May 7, 2026
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Total actions
2
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0
Committee
2
May 7, 2026
Committee
REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
upper
Mar 17, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
upper
1 primary · 6 co-sponsors

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