Requires those responsible for submitting budget proposals to report on the consumption of energy and the projected consumption of energy

BILL NUMBER:A8346B

Title of bill

An act to amend the general city law, in relation to the reporting of energy consumption and production

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would require cities of greater than 30,000 in population to provide detail in their annual budgets on the costs of energy consumption and production.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would require the mayor or other officer charged with preparation of a city's budget to include a report on energy consumption and expenses. The report would include:

* the total number and square footage of city-owned building and facili- ties;

* the total energy consumption listed by energy source;

* the total energy cost by square foot and listed by energy source;

* the total cost for fuel used by city-owned vehicles, listed by fuel type and average mileage per vehicle class;

* the percentage of renewable energy used by all city-owned buildings and facilities;

* the total citywide investments in the production of energy; and, a total citywide expenditure on energy conservation and efficiency efforts.

The report would include the expenditures for the four previous fiscal years, the projected expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year, and the projections for the following four fiscal years.

Justification

New York's total energy consumption is among the highest in the United States according to the Energy Information Administration. A recent report by the New York State Comptroller states that electric- ity costs account for over 50 percent of total energy spending in most local governments in New York. While some cities have started to focus on their energy consumption, more needs to be done. This legislation would help both city governments and residents understand the level of expense their city incurs for energy production and consumption. This knowledge will help in planning for future needs and projects and initi- atives to reduce energy consumption and costs.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to cities with a population of 30,000 or more according to the 2000 federal census.