Directs a study of the siting processes for wind energy production facilities

7 Co-sponsors

• Ruben Diaz
• Martin Malavé Dilan
• Thomas K. Duane
• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Velmanette Montgomery
• John L. Sampson
• José M. Serrano

BILL NUMBER:S1086

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to directing the New York state energy research and development authority to conduct a study regarding siting processes for wind energy production facilities

Purpose

Directs a study of, and a plan for the siting processes for wind energy production facilities

Summary of provisions

Section one:

1) amends the Public Authorities Law by adding a new section authorizing and directing the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) to conduct a comprehensive study of the potential siting processes required to establish wind energy production facilities in New York State, including:

* an analysis of the siting processes that should be considered for wind energy production facilities

* the kinds of environmental impact studies necessary for siting

* the visual, audible or atmospheric impacts of wind energy facilities that should be considered in the siting process

* the impacts of the capacity of a wind energy facility in the siting process

* which state and local agencies should be involved in the siting process

* the information necessary for local agencies charged with making timely and defensible decisions to guide wind energy development

* the kinds of revenue implications impacting the localities

* the kinds and impact of local community input in the siting process

2) directs the authority to submit a copy of the study to the Governor and the Legislature one year after the effective date of the law.

3) directs the authority to develop an overall comprehensive wind energy facilities siting plan, taking into account the results and finding of the study, including:

* an outline of guidelines and requirements for siting

* the research for potential sites for future facilities

* an identification of existing plants that should be targeted for efficiency upgrading

* a plan for at least three public hearings to be held in different regions of the state within 60 days of the publication of the plan

* a provision for adequate written testimonial input regarding the plan

4) directs the authority to submit a copy of the Comprehensive Wind Energy Production Facilities Plan to the Governor and Legislature no later than eighteen months after the effective date of the law.

Section two is the enacting clause

Existing law

There are currently no specific siting processes established for wind energy projects in New York State.

Justification

New York's geographic location and relative proximity to load centers, combined with its good wind resources, the high costs of electrical energy in the Northeast, concerns over regional air quality, federal tax incentives, and legislative mandates in New York and neighboring states has resulted in renewed interest in wind energy development in New York.

Although the recent growth of the wind industry is welcomed by many in New York, local authorities in wind-rich counties are concerned about their ability to address existing or anticipated proposals from wind energy developers interested in installing projects within their jurisdiction.

The Public Service Commission is embarking on a process to increase to 25% New York's reliance on renewable energy production through a Renewable Portfolio Standard. Wind energy is expected to play a major part in this increase in clean, renewable energy technology.

It is very important to have a comprehensive plan for siting these high-tech wind facilities across New York. Incubation and support of wind energy can help reduce New York's dependence on fossil fuel burning electric generators.

Legislative history

2009-10: S.1784/A.8619 - Referred to Energy & Telecommunication/Energy 2007-08: S.3604 2006-07: S.1356

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

The act shall take effect immediately.