Requires alternative fuels to be available along the thruway

7 Co-sponsors

• John J. Bonacic
• Martin Malavé Dilan
• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Liz Krueger
• Bill Perkins
• John L. Sampson
• José M. Serrano

BILL NUMBER:S1067

Title of bill

An act to amend the energy law and the public authorities law, in relation to the availability of alternative fuels along the New York state thruway

Purpose or general idea of bill

The intent of this bill is to make alternative fuels available to commuters who use the Thruway.

Summary of specific provisions

This legislation would require the New York State Thruway Authority to provide an alternative fuel refueling station for use by the public and to provide each recommended alternative fuel at least every 120 miles on both sides of the New York State Thruway. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority would assist the Thruway Authority in selecting appropriate alternative fuels, which could include ethanol, methanol, natural gas, propane, electricity (including electricity from solar energy), and hydrogen. Amends Sections 1-103 and adds a new Section 5-129 to the Energy Law and amends Section 354 of the Public Authorities Law.

Justification

Increased use of alternative fuels is desirable from the energy, environmental, and economic perspectives. Use of alternative fuels by public fleets is going to be required by both the National Energy Policy Act and the Clean Air Act. The transportation sector of New York State's economy has made the least progress in reducing its energy consumption and its reliance on oil. For reasons of economic security and environmental protection, New York State must commit itself to developing non-oil-based fuels for transportation. A number of feasible alternatives to gasoline have been developed; however, they have not been widely distributed in the marketplace. Requiring the development and increased use of alternative fuels at refueling stations operated by the New York State Thruway Authority will expedite the entry of such fuels into the general market.

The Thruway Authority is implementing many capital improvements to its rest areas and fuel stations along the Thruway. Remodeling an existing fuel station or constructing a new one to accommodate the sale of alternative fuels is consistent with the ability of the Authority to provide quality services to its customers.

Prior legislative history

2009-2010: S.1938B/A.8466B - Reported to Finance 2007-2008: S.1988 Referred to Energy and Telecommunications 2005-2006: S.643 Referred to Energy and Telecommunications 2001-2002: A.9116 Passed Assembly 1999-2000: A.828O Passed Assembly 1998: A.7540 Died in Assembly Ways & Means Committee 1997: A.7540 Died in Assembly Energy Committee 1996: A.6753-B Died in Assembly Ways & Means Committee 1995: A.6753-A Died in Assembly Ways & Means Committee 1994: A.10032 Died in Assembly Ways & Means Committee

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None. Capital projects are bonded and repaid through tolls.

Effective date

Immediately.