Provides that priority shall be given to certain sites when developing renewable energy generating projects; defines "agrivoltaics".
Impact
The proposed changes are expected to streamline the approval process for renewable energy projects, particularly in pre-existing sites like brownfields and underutilized commercial locations. The emphasis on utilizing already developed sites aims to mitigate the impact on undeveloped land and support the state's environmental goals. However, the bill's focus on agrivoltaics may also catalyze new economic opportunities in the agriculture sector, as farmers could combine solar energy production with traditional farming practices, thereby enhancing their revenue streams.
Summary
Bill S07899 introduces amendments to the public authorities law in New York, focusing on prioritizing sites for renewable energy projects, particularly those utilizing agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics is a dual-use land approach that allows for the simultaneous generation of solar energy and agricultural production. By defining agrivoltaics in legislative terms, the bill hopes to promote the efficient use of land while addressing renewable energy needs in the state. This aligns with broader state goals to increase renewable energy production and find innovative ways to enhance agricultural sustainability.
Contention
While the bill is likely to receive support from those advocating for renewable energy and agricultural innovation, there may be concerns about its implementation. Stakeholders might question how best to balance agricultural productivity with solar energy needs, as well as the long-term effects on land use. Additionally, environmental groups may raise issues regarding the potential displacement of agricultural activities and the adequacy of protections for farmland. Given that agrivoltaics integrates energy production with farming, the success of this approach hinges on meticulous planning and management to avoid conflicts between solar generation and agricultural needs.
Provides the New York power authority with the right of first offer and refusal for acquiring any renewable generation facility, renewable energy generation project and any power or energy created by a renewable generation facility or renewable energy generation project.
Provides the New York power authority with the right of first offer and refusal for acquiring any renewable generation facility, renewable energy generation project and any power or energy created by a renewable generation facility or renewable energy generation project.
Establishes the New York state renewable reclamation projects program to stimulate the development of renewable energy on certain brownfield sites, dormant electric generating sites, and real property.
Provides that certain cities and towns shall have early voting poll sites within their boundaries and, where practicable, that such sites shall be situated along public transportation routes.
Relates to excluding renewable energy pilot projects and certain energy system-related payments in lieu of taxes from tax cap calculations, and to the establishment of a distributed generation energy development program that provides a single forum for state-level appeals for proposed distributed generation energy facilities.
Relates to excluding renewable energy pilot projects and certain energy system-related payments in lieu of taxes from tax cap calculations, and to the establishment of a distributed generation energy development program that provides a single forum for state-level appeals for proposed distributed generation energy facilities.
Relates to providing net revenues from utility-owned large-scale renewable generation projects to low-income customers; authorizes utility companies to own such projects; provides that the commission shall require labor agreements and labor peace agreements.
Relates to providing net revenues from utility-owned large-scale renewable generation projects to low-income customers; authorizes utility companies to own such projects; provides that the commission shall require labor agreements and labor peace agreements.
Relates to providing net revenues from utility-owned large-scale renewable generation projects to low-income customers; authorizes utility companies to own such projects; provides that the commission shall require labor agreements and labor peace agreements.
Creates a small business renewable tax credit; provides the term "business related renewable energy usage" shall refer to renewable power usage used to further the economic activity of the taxpayer at the primary business location that is clearly delimited from any shared renewable energy power usage cost.