Provides for a report on energy cost savings for schools in New York state

1 Co-sponsor

• David Storobin

BILL NUMBER:S6921C

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring the power authority of the state of New York produce a report detailing best practices with regard to energy cost savings for schools; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose or general idea of the bill

Provides for a detailed report on potential school energy savings if school districts where to Implement alternative energy technologies.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: Amends the public authorities law in relation to requiring the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to create a report on energy cost savings for school districts.

Section 2: The report shall be submitted to the Governor, the Temporary President of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly, and minority lead- ers of the Senate and Assembly no later than July 31 of 2013.

Section 3: Itemizes information required but not limited to be covered by the report.

Justification

New York's troubled economy and the resulting fiscal constraints under which local districts must now contend with provide all the incentive the state needs to commit itself to the creation, retrofitting and main- tenance of green schools. There are, for example, about 5,410 acres of mostly flat-roofed school buildings statewide that can easily accommo- date solar panels to reduce energy costs. The solar power generated by that much space could yield 12,550,900 KWH per day, resulting in roughly $1.25 million worth of energy daily. A move toward greener schools is not only one that is environmentally friendly, but also one that is economically sound.

The potential for all school districts to completely eliminate their electricity and natural gas costs is completely possible if modern alternative energy technologies are adopted and proliferate throughout the more than 4,200 school buildings in New York's 700 school districts.

New advances in miniature wind turbines that can be attached to the roofs of school buildings and more efficient solar energy panels can eliminate school energy bills which currently range from almost one million dollars annually to the tens of millions in larger districts and several hundred million annually in New York City alone.

A mass scale retrofitting of school buildings with green energy technol- ogies could create some 40,000 temporary jobs and some 3,500 permanent jobs in communities across New York.

In addition, training at community college level for green jobs would be complemented by actually creating the jobs graduates from such programs will need.

The potential to incorporate STEM curriculum while retrofitting each school can be realized.

The positives of moving swiftly and diligently on this issue are tremen- dous and can help offset cuts to critically needed education programs and prevent reductions in teaching staff and student support services.

Prior legislative history

New.

Fiscal implications for state and local government

None. Bonding could be suggested either at the local level or by a state bonding program to pay for deployment of green technologies that will permanently eliminate energy bills for all school districts, while creating thousands of jobs.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and expire on July 31, 2013.