Creates a citizen advisory panel

BILL NUMBER:S6926

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to creating a citizen advisory panel

Purpose

Creates a Citizen Advisory Panel under Article 10 of the Public Service Law for the purpose of independently reviewing applications and preparing a report for submission as testimony in hearings held on such applications.

Summary of provisions

Adds new section 174 to the public services law creating a Citizen Advisory Panel. The qualifications and requirements of the panel are described and the duties and responsibilities of the panel are outlined.

Justification

Recent changes in Article 10 of the Public Service Law have created the New York state board on electric generation siting and the environment, which includes two ad hoc members from the municipality or community where a proposed electronic generation facility is proposed to be sited. This bill will create an independent Citizen Advisory Panel to review siting application and prepare a report on these applications to be disseminated to members of the board and submitted as testimony in hearings held on such applications.

This legislation is necessary because it is likely that the ad hoc members of the board will lack sophisticated understanding of all of the issues surrounding electric generation and the environment. The Citizen Advisory Panel will provide all members of the board, and most importantly the ad hoc members, as well as the public through the submission of their report as testimony, with an independent, unbiased and expert assessment of the relevant issues facing each specific siting application.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

Minimal. The expenses of the panel members are reimbursed.

Effective date

Takes effect immediately.