Prohibits the seizure of utility meters and the termination of utility service through replevin actions; declares such actions to be against the public interest.
Requires contractors and subcontractors performing construction work for covered renewable energy systems to have apprenticeship agreements; relates to the effectiveness of provisions of law related thereto.
Grants an exemption for the purchase of energy efficient snow making equipment, ski lift equipment, snow grooming equipment, and the production of snow by a recreational ski facility from state sales and compensating use tax.
Authorizes ORES to issue siting permits for battery energy storage systems for use by data centers, regardless of the expected storage or transmission capacity of such battery energy storage systems, and whether or not such battery energy storage systems will be co-located with renewable energy systems; requires data centers to submit carbon reduction plans.
This bill prohibits the construction or operation of tier two battery energy storage systems (those exceeding 600 kilowatt hours capacity or using multiple storage technologies) within 1,000 feet of residential zones, schools, or hospitals in cities with populations of one million or more. It directly affects developers and operators of large-scale battery storage facilities in major urban areas. The law creates a specific buffer zone around populated areas to limit such systems' proximity to communities. The prohibition applies immediately upon the bill's enactment.
Establishes a municipal solar planning grant program for municipalities to receive grants for plans to develop solar energy systems on agricultural land and commercially-zoned properties in such municipalities; creates a database to track such solar energy system distribution.
Provides that the assignment, transfer, or modification of leases for exploration, development, and production of gas or oil in state forests, reforestation areas and wildlife management areas shall not allow expansion or extension of such provisions.
This bill requires the State University of New York (SUNY) to install solar canopies on eligible parking facilities across its campuses. SUNY must calculate suitable parking space within one year and achieve a target of covering at least 75% of that space with solar canopies by 2040. New construction projects involving parking facilities (like garages or lots) must include solar canopies unless an institution has already met the 75% goal. The requirement applies to all SUNY campuses and any new parking infrastructure built using state funds or private entities with state capital funding.
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.
Requires applications for retail gas station building permits to include one electric vehicle charging station using direct current fast chargers at such gasoline station per four gas dispensing pumps.
