Enacts the New York State government continuity act of 2009

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to the establishment of the New York state government continuity act of 2009

Purpose

This bill seeks to establish a New York State Energy Transportation and Storage Security Program.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 of this bill would provide that this law shall be known and may be cited as the New York State Energy Transportation and Storage Security Act.

Section 2 of this bill would amend the executive law to add a new section 716 to establish a New York State Energy Transportation and Storage Security Program. Pursuant to such section, the New York State Office of Homeland Security would be directed to conduct an investigation and study on the issue of the establishment of a New York State Energy Transportation and Storage Security Program. Such investigation and study would be required to be completed on or before December 31, 2010.

Within 90 days of the completion of such investigation and study, such Office must also complete and deliver, to the chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs and the chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Governmental Operations, a report on such investigation and study, containing recommendations to the legislature on the establishment of a New York State Energy Transportation and Storage Security Program.

Such recommendations shall include what measures need to be taken by New York State to establish such a program, what laws should be amended or added to establish such a program, and what fiscal resources would need to be appropriated and expended, if any, to establish such a program.

Section 3 of this bill would provide for an immediate effective date.

Justification

New York State presently exists in a dangerous and uncertain world. The lessons of September 11th and Hurricane Katrina demonstrate that our State, its government, and its people need to be prepared for predictable surprises, and have the capacity to respond and recover from such events when and if they occur.

This bill seeks to provide the mechanism for the establishment of a New York State Energy Security Program. Such a program is a necessary and prudent step toward preparing New York State's response and recovery to a predictable surprise. Such a program, by terms of this bill, would be developed in partnership with the New York State Office of Homeland Security, after thoughtful study and investigation.

The report and recommendations required under this bill would provide the framework for the establishment of the Program, upon which a successful establishment and implementation could be based. This bill seeks to direct New York State's Homeland Security efforts in a responsible, thoughtful manner, using experience, intelligence and the principles of risk management to seek the best possible outcome for the citizens of New York State PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2008 - S.5487 - Referred to the Standing Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs.

Fiscal implications

None noted, for although some staff time at the New York State Office of Homeland Security would be required to accomplish the investigation, study and report required under this bill, its actions could easily be performed with current resources.

Effective date

This bill would take effect immediately.