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.
Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.
Bill S 4030 directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to establish ambient air quality standards for specific toxic air contaminants, such as benzene and mercury, by December 31, 2027. These standards must be based on scientific data regarding potential adverse human health effects. The bill requires that starting in 2028, these toxic air contaminants be incorporated into permits for "major sources" - large stationary air contamination sources. Additionally, the department must establish regulations by December 31, 2027, for fenceline monitoring by major sources, especially considering their proximity to disadvantaged communities.
Enacts the "just energy transition act"; requires a study of competitive options to facilitate the phase-out, replacement and redevelopment of New York state's oldest and most-polluting fossil fueled generation facilities and their sites by the year 2030.
This bill prohibits the use of grade 4 fuel oil (as defined by ASTM D396-15c) in all buildings and facilities across the state after July 1, 2030. It directly affects property owners, businesses, and institutions currently using this fuel type for heating or energy. The law implements a specific date-based ban, with an exception allowing municipalities to adopt stricter regulations. The policy change requires facilities to transition to alternative fuel sources or systems by the 2030 deadline.
Relates to the general civil penalty of the environmental conservation law; provides that in addition to the fines, such person may be enjoined from continuing such violation and any permit or certificate issued to such person may be revoked or suspended, or a pending renewal application may be denied.
Extends DEC's authority to regulate management of crabs; authorizes the department of environmental conservation to take any actions necessary to ensure any quota limiting the taking of horseshoe crabs does not exceed certain thresholds.
Establishes the climate corporate data accountability act requiring certain business entities within the state to annually disclose scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 emissions; establishes the climate accountability and emissions disclosure fund.
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.
