This bill creates a state-funded incentive program managed by NYSERDA to encourage development of qualified fuel cell generating systems. It requires the Public Service Commission to establish program modifications by January 1, 2026, mandating $50 million annually in planned expenditures from 2026 through 2036 for diverse projects across New York. The program must prioritize cost-effectiveness, avoid long-term grid costs, minimize peak load in constrained areas, and include annual performance reports. It directly affects electric distribution companies and developers of fuel cell systems meeting specific technical standards (solid oxide, molten carbonate, PEM, or phosphoric acid). The program design must consider economic benefits to New York while ensuring geographic and project-size diversity.
This bill requires New York State to establish a program for inspecting indoor air quality in schools and pre-kindergarten facilities. It directly affects all public, charter, private, and parochial K-12 schools and pre-K programs (defined as "covered entities"). Key provisions mandate health department inspections for issues like mold, lead, or poor ventilation; require written complaint investigations; and demand reports comparing air quality to EPA guidelines. The program also requires distributing best practice guides for schools to address hazards like asbestos, radon, and high carbon dioxide levels.
Requires signage on state highways designating where there is a zero-emission charging and refueling station that is open and available to the public within three miles of an exit or off-ramp.
Requires the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to prohibit the use or sale of single use plastic straws and beverage stirrers in state parks.
Establishes the pipeline investment for public environmental solutions program for the purpose of making payments toward the replacement and rehabilitation of existing local municipally-owned and funded drinking water, stormwater and sanitary sewer systems; makes such program eligible for funding from the Clean water, clean air and green jobs environmental bond act of 2022.
Protects canids by requiring animals which could be coyotes or wolves be submitted for a genetic test to determine genetic makeup; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.
S 685 creates an exception to existing prohibitions on fossil fuel use in new buildings. This bill allows new building projects to continue using fossil fuels if their site plan or subdivision plat received approval from a local planning board before December 31, 2025. The measure ensures that projects with initial approvals in place before this deadline are not subject to the upcoming fossil fuel ban.
Authorizes vocational training, where practicable, to incarcerated individuals on the installation of solar hot water systems for the provision of hot water to correctional facilities.
Provides an exemption for the sale of the first $35,000 for a battery, electric, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from state sales and compensating use taxes; authorizes local governments to elect such incentives; repeals the hybrid exemption after ten years.
Establishes the mechanical insulation energy savings program to provide grants for qualified mechanical insulation expenditures to school districts, public hospitals, public housing buildings, and political subdivisions that have completed a qualified audit.
