Energy

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.

Senate Bill S 980 requires the Public Service Commission to hold public hearings before implementing any increases in utility rates, fees, or charges. These hearings must occur at least 90 days before a decision is made and within the area where the increase is proposed. The bill ensures that utility customers can provide public comments and ask questions of both the commission and the utility regarding the proposed changes. This aims to increase transparency and public engagement in decisions affecting utility costs.

S 1069 prohibits the leasing of state-owned forests, reforestation areas, wildlife management areas, and unique natural areas for gas and oil production. The bill amends environmental conservation law to specifically ban these leases, protecting these lands from energy extraction. It directly affects state land management decisions and energy companies seeking to drill on these protected properties. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Extends the moratorium on the issuance of certificates of environmental safety for the siting of facilities and certification of routes for the transportation of liquefied natural or petroleum gas.