"Vegetation Management Response Act"; concerns vegetation management related to electric public utility infrastructure.
Impact
By allowing electric utilities to clear vegetation without needing permission from local commissions, the bill shifts regulatory authority and fosters a proactive approach to prevent power outages. Utilities will be required to notify affected property owners and local entities before conducting vegetation management operations, ensuring communication and transparency within the community. Moreover, the act increases public utilities' responsibilities for maintaining vegetation management programs and requires yearly educational outreach to inform the public about its significance.
Summary
Assembly Bill A504, known as the 'Vegetation Management Response Act,' proposes significant changes regarding how electric public utilities manage vegetation near their infrastructure. The bill establishes that utilities may utilize various methods to clear 'dangerous vegetation,' which is defined broadly to include any flora that may interfere with electric lines. This move aims to enhance the resilience of the electric grid against severe weather events, as the bill's statement cites substantial damage caused by previous storms, notably Hurricane Sandy and the March 2018 nor'easters.
Contention
Despite its practical intentions, the bill raises concerns among environmental advocates and local government entities. Critics argue that it undermines local oversight and limits the ability of shade tree commissions to regulate the management of public lands and trees, which can lead to diminished environmental protections. Additionally, the liability protections granted to utilities when performing vegetation management could lead to negligence in handling green spaces, potentially resulting in ecological harm and loss of community aesthetic values.
Requires an electric distribution company to develop and act pursuant to a vegetation management plan approved by the DPUC to carry out vegetation management activities on and around utility infrastructure along public and private rights of way.
Requires an electric distribution company to develop and act pursuant to a vegetation management plan approved by the DPUC to carry out vegetation management activities on and around utility infrastructure along public and private rights of way.
Requires BPU to provide funding for purchase and installation of photovoltaic technologies for age-restricted community clubhouse facilities from societal benefits charge.